“There are substantial delays in ophthalmology follow-up appointments across Wales”

The coroner’s concerns

There are substantial delays in ophthalmology follow-up appointments across Wales. Evidence received during the inquest indicated that there are currently approximately 140,000 ophthalmology follow-up appointments awaiting review in Wales, whilst there are approximately 65 consultant ophthalmologists providing services across Wales. Current ophthalmology capacity appears insufficient to meet the demand for follow-up surveillance. The evidence suggested that large numbers of patients requiring ongoing monitoring are not being reviewed within clinically intended timescales. There is no nationally reported or routinely monitored metric measuring the timeliness of ophthalmology follow-up appointments. Unlike first outpatient appointments, there appears to be no comprehensive national performance measure enabling identification of the extent to which follow-up patients are being seen within clinically required review periods. The absence of a robust national metric and oversight mechanism creates a risk that patients requiring surveillance for ophthalmic conditions may experience prolonged delays. Delay in ophthalmology follow up can result in delayed diagnosis of serious and life-threatening disease. This case demonstrates the impact of not having timely follow up appointments. Similar delays may place other patients at risk of delayed diagnosis of malignancy and death. 11. COPIES AND PUBLICATION OF THIS REPORT I have a duty to send a copy of my report to every Interested Person who in my opinion should receive it. I also may send a copy of the report to any other person who I believe may find it useful or of interest. I can confirm I have sent the report to:   Family members and NOK of deceased **No Details Given** I also have a duty to send a copy of the report to the Chief Coroner. You may make representations to me, the coroner, about the publication of the contents of this report in line with Chief Coroner’s PFD Publication Policy (2026). Any representations will be sent to the Chief Coroner alongside the report. Please refer to box 4 above for additional information relating to the publication of reports and responses. 12. SIGNATURE Rose FARMER Area Coroner for Gwent

An extract. Read the full report, including the circumstances of the death, on the Courts and Tribunals Judiciary website.

Source

judiciary.uk, Prevention of Future Deaths reports, 2026-0392

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14 Oct 2026

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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: Courts and Tribunals Judiciary, judiciary.uk. Open Government Licence v3.0