PATIENTS' ASSOCIATION OPTHALMOLOGY REPORT

Early day motion 902, tabled 27 February 2002 by David Crausby (Labour). Signed by 43 members.

That this House welcomes the publication of the Patients' Association Report 'NHS Ophthalmology Services: A survey of Health Authorities and Trusts'; notes with concern the uneven provision in access to ophthalmology services and treatments throughout the UK; also notes with particular concern that the leading cause of blindness among the over 50s, age related macular degeneration, is not a current priority for NHS ophthalmology services, resulting in a number of patients going unnecessarily blind; and calls on the Government to prioritise ophthalmic disease and improve the provision of accessible information about ophthalmic disease and treatment and care options.

Signatures by party: Labour 23, Liberal Democrat 9, Labour/Co-operative 3, UUP 3, Conservative 2, DUP 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1.