Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:10 pm on 30 November 2016.
Yes, and I think, Nick Ramsay, I did say we’re not complacent, we have more to learn and we would want to look at the evidence. Clearly, that’s the case.
As I’ve said, we do have new developments to bring forward in terms of new patient pathways that can help prevent sight loss, and better support for people living with low vision. I’m very conscious of the fact that Mark Isherwood particularly always encourages us to talk to the people who actually experience sight loss or other issues, conditions and barriers in their lives. Of course, that’s what we have to do, as well as looking at evidence of how services are being provided cross-border and elsewhere, not just here in Wales or the UK.
Significant progress has been made in improving access and tackling conditions that have had an impact on people’s sight, from investing in new services that detect conditions as early as possible to providing more services closer to people’s homes. I think, since the launch of the eye care delivery plan, which was refreshed and renewed in 2013, the Welsh Government has seen the tremendous efforts by all health boards, including secondary care ophthalmologists, primary care optometrists, local authorities, community health councils, and the third sector. But I am also glad that Nick Ramsay has mentioned the importance of addressing the needs of children and young people. Again, an example of how this is an all-age cross-Government policy area where we need to ensure that we look, in this context, to our education services, our teaching profession, and indeed beyond that into the wider life needs and circumstances of children and young people, which is very important out of education as well as in education. But, as the Member has said, the ALN Bill will provide an opportunity to look and consider these needs further.
I think Nick Ramsay has introduced this short debate today in a very powerful way. You had that experience of walking through Monmouth town. I remember recently going on to the track in Llandow, in the Vale of Glamorgan, which many Members will know of, where I had to go in a go-kart with a blindfold. I think it was actually organised by the RNIB, and it was a terrifying experience. But this is where you learn very quickly. It’s only for us just a one-off experience, isn’t it? I hope I’ve been able to demonstrate today the importance that the Welsh Government places on improving health and well-being of all those people in Wales who are blind or partially sighted. Challenges remain, of course, particularly with an ageing population, but it is an all-age issue in terms of needs. We have got legislation, policies and programmes in place to support and meet these needs. We’re determined to ensure that those living with sight loss can lead inclusive and fulfilled lives. Once again, I want to thank Nick Ramsay for bringing this very important issue so powerfully to the floor today.