Increased demand for eye treatment

Minister warns it could impact waiting times

There's been a 15 percent increase in demand for ophthalmology services over the last 12 months.

The health minister says it means the waiting times for outpatient appointments for those needing eye treatment are likely to be volatile.

In a Tynwald written question Rushen MHK Juan Watterson asked Lawrie Hooper whether the ophthalmology service is sustainable in terms of supply and demand.

Mr Hooper confirmed there was a median waiting time from decision to treat to treatment of 15 weeks and a mean of 23 in August.

This compares to a five-week median with a mean of 26 at the same time last year.

Ophthalmology was one of the areas targeted in the second phase of Manx Care's restoration and recovery plan but Mr Hooper says waiting times are likely to experience volatility because more people are being referred to the service now than had been forecast.