Let me just say, Darren, I think it's such a valuable subject, so I was actually complimenting you on that, you know? But, there we are, you don't know a compliment when you hear it, so—.

The fact that people have gone blind whilst waiting for treatment should be a matter of great shame for our nation. I therefore welcome the fact that the Welsh Government is getting its act together and investing in transforming eye care services.

RNIB Cymru have welcomed the new measures that will, for the first time, allow us to see the true scale of the challenges facing ophthalmology in Wales. The new measures outlined by the Minister finally put the patient first, giving priority to those most in need. It is now up to the health boards to deliver these improvements and make full use of the new guidelines. And I hope local health boards will actually deliver this time. The £7 million set aside for the new digital system for eye care is also most welcome. Hopefully Welsh Government can buck the trend on past IT projects and deliver the system quickly and efficiently. Once the new system is in place with direct referrals we should eliminate long waits for treatment. Until that time, we must ensure that the health boards streamline the referrals process as efficiently as possible. Swift referrals will help to speed up diagnosis and treatment and ensure that patients do not lose their sight due to long waits.

But there is still much more to do, and a shortage of rehabilitation officers for the visually impaired is certainly putting people’s safety at risk. We are not offering the best available treatments, some of which can actually reverse sight loss. And whilst we will be supporting the Government’s amendment today in order to recognise the progress that is being made, I urge the Minister to ensure that the next delivery plan addresses shortfalls in treatment and support options. I look forward to the chief optometric adviser’s recommendations, hopefully sooner rather than later. Let’s ensure that no-one else loses their sight whilst waiting for treatment and support, because the harrowing case highlighted by Angela Burns earlier should never happen, and it give us all an opportunity to reflect on how much improvement is needed in Wales. Diolch yn fawr.