Dr Louise Gow
Head of Optometry, Low Vision and Eye Health, RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People
Ophthalmology is an extremely busy NHS outpatient specialty, resulting in long waits for patients needing vision and eye care. However, RNIB offers wellbeing support and practical help for people managing vision and eye changes.
Why ophthalmology is the busiest outpatient specialty
Walk into any hospital or health clinic, and it’s clear the NHS is busy. If you are looking for the busiest, however, head to ophthalmology, which is the NHS outpatient specialty with the highest demand for appointments and surgeries. As of March 2025, 586,097 people are on an eye care waiting list in England. That’s more people than are living in Sheffield.
With an ageing population and many of those on the list affected by age-related eye conditions, this number is forecast to grow. As more people wait, how they are supported and helped through this difficult period becomes very important.
Emotional impact of changes in your vision
Whether someone is waiting for a diagnosis or experiencing sight loss, the impact on people’s wellbeing and confidence can be huge. It may be challenging to continue social activities either because their vision no longer meets the standard to drive or because their hobbies are no longer accessible. It can become a vicious cycle of distress and loneliness.
Many patients report gaps in support or not knowing where to turn while they wait. Thankfully, there are groups and organisations here to help.
Practical help for your vision
There are practical adaptations that can help people cope with changes in their vision. You can make text and objects bigger, bolder and brighter or could be referred from a GP or an ophthalmologist to a low vision clinic for an assessment to identify magnifying devices, lighting or other aids that can help.
Ways of ‘waiting well’
The key to ‘waiting well’ is providing support that is holistic and as individual as you are. It can feel overwhelming trying to find the right help, particularly when everyone thinks they know what’s best. That’s why organisations like RNIB are committed to supporting anyone with an eye condition, regardless of whether they have sight loss or not.
RNIB boasts a network of more than 120 hospital and clinic-based Eye Care Liaison Officers (ECLOs) who provide vital emotional support to more than 60,000 patients, as well as their friends and families. There are also trained advisors manning the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 to help answer all questions, big or small.
