Losing sight
Allan Darlow’s story
Jun 1, 2017 Allan Darlow gets an eye exam at Specsavers and has a minor change in prescription.
Jul 13 He sees his GP after a fall damages his glasses. GP notes sight change and suggests an optometrist review.
Aug 18 Darlow sees GP again who notes he had visited Specsavers and refers him back to them.
Aug 31 DHB receives referral from Specsavers and makes an appointment in January.
Sep 12 GP receives note from DHB saying the referral has been accepted.
Sep 14 Darlow says his eyes have got worse. GP also lodges a referral with the DHB.
Oct 4 Darlow sees GP who logs an “urgent referral” with the DHB noting that he was missing the toilet pan, only seeing outlines of people and unable to watch TV.
Nov 6 DHB sends letter to GP advising Darlow go back to the optometrist.
Nov 16 He sees GP again. GP calls DHB for an urgent appointment saying he was “essentially blind” and makes a referral to Specsavers.
Nov 20 Darlow sees optometrist at Specsavers who makes an urgent referral to DHB.
Nov 22 He sees DHB specialist who notes no perception of light in left eye and small amount in right eye.
Nov 27 DHB specialist refers Darlow for surgery.
Dec 14 Surgery is performed.