Ophthalmology provider Newmedica is calling for greater transparency by all providers over glaucoma waiting lists to tackle a ‘postcode lottery’ facing patients.
Coinciding with Glaucoma Awareness Week (30 June – 6 July), Newmedica, which provides NHS and private ophthalmology services, believes that providers should publish waiting times for first and follow-up appointments by specific condition, as recommended by Healthwatch [1].
"Serious eye conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) need early detection, timely treatment and regular follow-up to prevent avoidable sight loss," says Nigel Kirkpatrick, Medical Director at Newmedica. "People with glaucoma and AMD in England often don’t get this or have a choice of where to go.
"Nearly one in 12 on an NHS waiting list are waiting for their first ophthalmology appointment, while more than 500,000 are waiting for follow-up ophthalmology appointments. Huge increases in demand are forecast over the next 10 years as well, with late age-related macular degeneration increasing by 24.4%, primary open-angle glaucoma by 15.9% and vision impairing cataracts by 16.7% [2].
"As a long-term provider of NHS ophthalmology services in England, we want to support the government to implement the changes needed to make the NHS fit for the future."
These changes include a call for providers to publish waiting times for first and follow-up appointments by specific condition. "Patients can choose the provider that offers the best long-term care – not just the fastest first appointment," says Mr Kirkpatrick.
"Some glaucoma and wet AMD services are commissioned by ICBs and provided by the independent sector in England, but not widely enough. We urge the Westminster government to insist on commissioning glaucoma and wet AMD services so patients can choose providers with shorter wait times and more convenient follow-ups. To support patient choice and minimise health inequalities, referral pathways, including those for glaucoma should be clear, fair, and transparent."
Mr Kirkpatrick says that Newmedica is already delivering solutions to end avoidable sight loss – but that collectively more can be done. "Each Newmedica surgical centre is owned by local ophthalmologists who provide clinical leadership and care in their communities. We delivered more than 306,000 patient interactions across more than 30 locations in 2024–2025, treating more than 38,000 patients with sight-threatening chronic disease management such as glaucoma and AMD."
He adds: "We want to work with commissioners to make patient-centred decisions to commission new services, reduce exclusion criteria for patients and introduce more collaborative pathways with other eyecare professionals, such as community optometrists. Working together, the NHS and independent sector can remedy the crisis."
References
1. https://nds.healthwatch.co.uk/reports-library/strain-sight