Ophthalmology

More than 9500 people are having to wait significantly longer than intended for follow-up eye care, with fears some could lose their vision.

Fourteen patients suffered vision loss due to delayed care in Otago and Southland, but the lead author of a damning report says he is surprised there weren't more.

Health authorities were warned nearly 18 months ago that patients risked losing their sight over long delays for treatment, an eye specialist says. Audio

Patients facing long waits for appointments at public hospital eye clinics are worried about losing their eyesight. Audio

A delay in ophthalmology services is nationwide and patients are going blind waiting for appointments, eye specialists say.