New Cork eye unit sees wait times for new patients drop 24%

A new unit at Cork’s South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital (SIVUH) has reduced waiting list times for new patients seeking specialist eye treatment by 24%, and returning patients by 37%, in two years.

The opening of the ophthalmology facility in 2024 has resulted in “a significant fall” in the number of patients waiting for treatment, according to a spokesperson for the facility.

The data shows that in addition to reducing waiting times for new patients by 24%, and by 37% for returning patients, an increased level of staffing, including improvements to the provision of optometry, has also resulted in a new cataract pathway. With this new pathway, the wait-time for initial cataract out-patient appointments has fallen from five years to 18 months, meaning that patients with cataracts are seen in a timely manner, and no longer need to travel outside the region for treatment, said the spokesperson.

The progress has been achieved despite an increase in the number of referrals to the ophthalmology unit since its opening, with nearly 3,000 patients now attending every month.

CEO of SIVUH, Helen Donovan, said the improvements in the service are a reflection of the hard work and co-ordination of the clinical teams, and the quality of the investment in facilities and technology.

“The service also shows through the satellite centre in Ballincollig, how community-based care is key to supporting patients away from an acute hospital setting,” said Ms Donovan.

“The opening of a second theatre in SIVUH has also given our clinicians and teams the ability to intervene with more patients in a timely manner.

“We are constantly engaging with the HSE about further service improvements, which will build upon the good work already completed.”

Ms Donovan further said that the implementation of modernised care pathways at SIVUH has also led to a reduction in waiting times for paediatrics and medical retina patients.