Eye-opening

When I asked when I might get a new appointment I was told: ‘ We don't know, when the pandemic is over ’ TERRY HEATH

I was due to be seen by an ophthalmologist at St Mary's treatment centre at Milton at the end of March with the view of having a cataract operation in early May.

That all got postponed due to the pandemic. In May the government asked hospitals to resume all elective surgery again albeit at reduced volume.

I inquired in August as to when I might get an appointment. I was told by the person answering the phone that the facility had been requisitioned by QA hospital to treat cancer patients in a COVID safe environment.

When I asked when I might get a new appointment I was told: ‘We don't know, when the pandemic is over’.

I then asked if any alternative arrangements had been made and was told that they had not. I contacted my GP to see if I could be referred elsewhere but was told that there is nowhere else as even The Spire hospital in Havant has been taken over to treat cancer patients.

If what I have been told is true, it is really appalling.

What are all the eye surgeons doing and are they still drawing their full salary?

My dentist is working normally and in a safe way. The difference is that if my dentist does not work then he does not get paid.

Cataract surgery is fairly simple and routine and usually does not require an overnight stay in hospital.

Surely some means can be found to give patients back their eyesight and independence?

Terry Heath

Waterlooville