Labour Lothians MSP, Sarah Boyack, highlighted new research from Sight Scotland, which reveals that a quarter of all Scotland’s sight loss population, live within council areas served by Edinburgh’s Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion.
Edinburgh’s Eye Pavilion was deemed not fit for purpose, by the NHS, in 2014 and has been the subject of a long running campaign to have it replaced.
In this time, waiting times have skyrocketed, with research from Sight Scotland highlighting that the number of ongoing waits has increased by over 10,000 since 2014.
With reports of appointments cancelled or delayed due to maintenance issues, it is likely this will only increase as the facility deteriorates further.
These numbers illustrate the extent of the crisis hitting eye care on the East coast of Scotland.
All this comes as the Scottish Government has backtracked on their election commitment to replace the current Eye Pavilion.
The Scottish Government’s recent budget froze capital spending for a minimum of two years, ensuring the new Eye Hospital could not go ahead and throwing its long-term future into doubt.
Sight Scotland have identified safety risks for both patients and staff due to the dilapidated state of the current facilities.
There is also a lack of clarity regarding what actions will be taken in the interim to ensure that the 45,000 people with sight loss, in the Pavilion’s remit, are able to receive the adequate care they require.
Commenting on the figures, Ms Boyack said: “We knew there was a crisis in eyecare, but now we know the full extent of it.
“The fact that a quarter of all those with sight loss are having to rely on not fit for purpose facilities is a national disgrace.
“And now the Scottish Government is subjecting them to unknown delays due to SNP budget cuts.
“Patients don’t just deserve a new hospital, they need one.
“If the Scottish Government does not act soon, there will be dire long-term consequences for Edinburgh’s sight loss population.”
Peter Scobbie, a long-time patient of the Eye Pavilion, added: “I’ve been going to the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion for 18 years now and the building is in shocking condition.
“The layout is completely inaccessible with the patient support services on the top floor and the pharmacy on the bottom next to the waiting area.
“Half the time the lifts are out of order, so I’m forced to use the stairs which I don’t feel safe doing as the handrail is very low and a straight drop down to the ground.
“I’d go as far to say it’s dangerous, especially for people with no to low sight.
“The decision not to fund a new hospital is therefore incredibly disappointing and I’m worried for other patients and the growing number of people who will need specialist eye care soon – what will they do?”