Waiting time in ophthalmic outpatients

[Dorset22]

I am very pleased that I am being treated for my eye pressures but just wondered what is the length of time people wait to see the doctor in outpatients. Today I felt quite ill as I waited for 1 1/2 hours to see the doctor. Saw the nurse within 15 minutes and then waited 11/4 hours to see the doctor for just 5 minutes to confirm the results. They were busy but I was the last person there to see the doctor whilst later arrivals were seen before me. Just a bad day?

[Toby_from_London]

Hi Dorset22,

I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news but at my hospital, Moorefields in Croydon, a 2 hour wait is quite common.

As you say on a good day you can see a technician for the eye test within maybe 15 minutes but then it’s at least an hour before you see the actual doctor.

New patients are always shocked when the receptionist tells them to allow a minimum of 2 hours for their visit.

Because it can be quite stressful waiting I use relaxation techniques and try to zone out the noise and bright lights of the waiting room. I also find it useful to have a list of questions ready to maximise the time with the consultant, and also keep a written note of useful information (hospital number, current medication etc) to save time, especially at the pharmacy.

I cannot fault the care I have received with the NHS but unfortunately of all the waiting rooms I have spent time in, the eye clinic has the most patients I have ever seen in one place.

[Dorset22 in reply to Toby_from_London]

Yes, I've waited quite a time in Moorfields when my husband got tested. My appointment today at the local hospital was just a follow up after using eye drops, so I wasn't expecting it to be so long. It is the longest I have waited over past couple of years, including having lots of tests. Just busy and late afternoon and strange appointment system. I usually only get about 5 minutes with the doctor so you have been lucky at Moorfields to get more information. It was certainly very hot and stressful today as I was the last to be seen in spite of arriving earlier than some of the other patients seen before me. I appreciate the care I have received too and agree that the eye clinic is a very busy place. Thanks for replying.

[Eyeworrier in reply to Dorset22]

Sadly this is absolutely typical of my own experience.

[Nala2509 in reply to Toby_from_London]

My local eye clinic advise that the wait can be up to 3 hours. This week I only waited 2 hours to see the doctor, it’s always extremely busy clinic.

[warwickshire_singh]

I find that it varies. Sometimes I have been waiting for over 2 hours, sometimes I have been called up straightaway after a vision check.

I have nothing but praise for BMEC.

[Bellamolly60]

yesterday at my hospital 3and half hours

[Booklover57]

My local hospital is the same, long waits. However in the Glaucoma Hub in Moorfields in London there is a different system - firstly eye test with clinician, secondly field test, thirdly scans, all with technicians. The results are sent to the doctor and the patients and GPS receive written report within a few days. I was in and out within an hour and the design is covid-compliant, with built in social distancing. BUT no opportunity to speak face to face with a doctor!!!!

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Virtual Clinics as @Booklover57 mentioned will become more common. This is to reduce the waiting time for patients. It is also less stressful for them as the appointments are much quicker. Although you don't get to see a consultant at the Virtual Clinics, all tests are done as they would be at the eye clinic. The results are then sent to the consultant. If they have any worries on concerns regarding your glaucoma, they will contact you and arrange an appointment at the eye clinic.

[Peg99 in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

It all sounds very sleek and of course it is good to get all the tests done quickly. However, I can't help but feel that this system has been devised with efficiency and not patient wellbeing in mind. When do the patients get the chance to see, let alone talk to their Consultants, ask the questions about things that are bothering them, get the reassurance we all need from time to time? Doesn't it just encourage the Consultants to see us as hospital numbers and not worried/concerned/even frightened human beings?

I realise the EYE Depts have a huge problem with the sheer numbers of patients they have to see but I hope that in their quest for speed and efficiency they remember they are dealing with often worried people who have feelings.

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner in reply to Peg99]

Patients still have the option to contact their consultant via the eye secretary if they have any worries of concerns regarding their glaucoma. This has always been the case, even before virtual clinics and has not changed. They also have the option to write to their consultant, which many patients do, and the consultant will get back to them. People who's glaucoma is not well maintained tend to be seen at the eye clinic by a consultant or locum. Virtual clinics are more for people who's glaucoma is well controlled and maintained.

[Peg99 in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Thanks Trish, that puts my mind at rest.

[Dorset22]

Think I have been lucky in my wait to see the doctor after reading some of the comments.

[Amjan]

waiting time at my hospital is normally between 2 and 3 hours but at my last visit my appointment was at 3 pm and I saw my consultant at about 6.40 pm and I was out of the consulting room at about 7pm. This was follow up appointment a week after my surgery, my eye was hurting so much I was sitting with one eye close with dark glasses on.

[Dorset22 in reply to Amjan]

That is a long time. Hope you feel better soon.

[Amjan in reply to Dorset22]

Thank you Dorset22, Yes my eye is bit better now, have another appointment on Friday, can't stop thinking how long the wait will be this time.

[Iona57]

It sounds par for the course I'm afraid A two hour wait to see the doctor is not uncommon at Oxford Eye Hospital. On a couple of occasions I have asked a nurse how long the wait will be, and with her agreement have been able to pop out for a breath of fresh air and a cup of coffee.