10. Will the First Minister make a statement on follow-up waiting times for outpatient eye care services in Welsh hospitals? OAQ(5)0628(FM)

We expect all patients to be seen in order of clinical priority and within our waiting times targets. And, of course, Welsh Government, the NHS and third sector partners are working together to improve the delivery of ophthalmology services for both new and follow-up patients.

Thank you for that response. Now, in the most recent cross-party group meeting on sight, we discussed data that show that health boards the length and breadth of Wales had 37,247 patients who were suffering delays in terms of their follow-up appointments in ophthalmology. Clinical investigations have shown that some 90 per cent of these patients are at risk of permanent damage to their sight—that’s 33,351 individuals in Wales who are at risk of losing their sight. Do you agree that this is a disgrace? And would you agree to publish the number of patients who are suffering delays to their follow-up treatment as part of your regular data on the performance of the health service?

Well, we have seen an increase in the number of people who want ophthalmological treatment—that’s true—but a scheme has been established, led by the clinicians themselves in order to transform the way in which the services are delivered. Health boards have stated that arrangements are in place to ensure that more clinics are available to ensure that people can receive the treatment. Of course, that is very effective in getting rid of the backlog of patients who need the treatment now rather than having to wait, and that means that the waiting time for wet AMD is now under a fortnight—of course, the guidelines that have been given to the health boards.

Thank you, First Minister.