36,000 patients overdue for eye tests as ophthalmology services overwhelmed
New Zealand's eye health services are struggling with a backlog of 36,000 overdue appointments amid rising demand and staff shortages.
Ophthalmology services across New Zealand are under severe pressure, with 36,000 patients awaiting overdue tests. The chair of Ophthalmology NZ describes the situation as a "tsunami" of demand driven by an ageing population, poor IT systems, and insufficient staff. Some patients are going blind while waiting for care. The pressure on eye health services continues to grow as the population ages.
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RNZ
Patients going blind, 36,000 overdue for tests amid high demand
The Ophthalmology NZ chair says there's a "tsunami" of increased demand from an ageing population, poor IT systems, and staff shortages.
Otago Daily Times
Patients going blind amid ‘tsunami’ of demand for tests: expert
NZ Herald
Patients going blind: 36,000 ophthalmology patients overdue for tests amid high demand
The pressure on eye health services has continued to grow as the population ages.