Take a look at some of our recent media coverage, which includes quotes and mentions in some UK national newspapers. Our members have provided quotes and comments to UK news outlets, helping us to raise the profile of ophthalmology, answer eyecare related queries and advocate for critical issues related to eye health. Our active engagement with the media reflects our commitment to raising awareness about the critical issues as we continue to advocate for urgent reforms.
Last week, we sounded the alarm over the hidden NHS waitlist crisis, which has left more than 11 million patients in limbo, in the wake of a recent Think Tank study. Our Policy Manager Jordan Marshall provided quotes for The Telegraph and Daily Express, calling on the critical need for NHS England to focus on reducing delays in follow-up appointments, citing the essential nature of timely assessments and treatments, especially for conditions like glaucoma.
John Buchan, Clinical Lead for the National Cataract Audit Database (NOD), in another recent article for The Telegraph, echoed these concerns. In a provided quote, John highlighted the substantial variation in waiting times for cataract surgery across different regions and hospitals in the UK. He emphasized the consequences faced by patients waiting for months, and that these extensive waiting lists are pushing some patients to opt for private operations, worsening the strain on the NHS.
Consultant Alex Day contributed to a Q&A with Sheerluxe, about his career as a much sought after laser eye surgeon and answered questions that patients need to know about the procedure. Furthermore, we’ve engaged with the media on a range of inquiries, from serious concerns to more trivial issues. Member Cornelius Rene, from Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, addressed a lighthearted query about twitchy eyes for The Guardian. Sarah Mailing, Chair of the Training Committee, also provided comments to BBC worldwide regarding World Sight Day, which has since been shared worldwide and translated into many languages.
To read all the articles, please see below, although some links may require subscriptions:
True size of NHS waiting lists ‘is more than 20m’ (telegraph.co.uk)
On an NHS waiting list? Here’s what you need to know before you go private (telegraph.co.uk)
Should I worry about my twitchy eye? | Health & wellbeing | The Guardian