Staffordshire man at risk going blind in months waits for operation

The 69-year-old says he no longer has the confidence to carry out his hobbies of driving, DIY and gardening

A man fears losing his sight after waiting more than seven months for what he was told was an urgent operation.

Ral Pritchard was diagnosed with pigmentary glaucoma in June last year, with his vision reduced by 25% in one eye and 18% in the other.

After being referred to Royal Stoke Eye Hospital, he was told the procedure could slow down the onset of blindness, but was yet to receive an appointment.

The trust which runs the hospital said wait lists are prioritised by need.

"It's just so frustrating, at the end of the day it's your quality of life," the 69-year-old from Stone, Staffordshire said.

Mr Pritchard was given the diagnosis by his local optician and two weeks later spoke to a hospital consultant and said he was told the operation was urgently needed.

Mr Pritchard usually travels the country in his motorhome but says he's at risk of losing his driving licence

The retired property developer said he was told he faces losing his sight within a year if he did not undergo a trabeculectomy operation.

Seven months on, despite several frantic calls and emails to the hospital, he has not been given a date for the procedure.

With the operation, his sight could be preserved for 10 years, he said.

The avid motorhome driver fears losing his driving licence and having to give up his much-loved hobby of exploring the UK and New Zealand, where his daughter lives.

It comes as junior doctors come to the end of a six-day strike, the longest period of industrial action by NHS workers in its history.

Mr Pritchard added: "It's very annoying and frustrating.

"The strikes by the junior doctors are like a kick in the stomach, not just for me but for millions of people who are in pain, under mental anguish and fearing possible death due to whatever conditions or illnesses they have."

Ann-Marie Riley, chief nurse at University Hospitals North Midlands NHS Trust, said: "We are very sorry to hear of Mr Pritchard's situation.

"All patients on our waiting lists are prioritised in accordance to need.

"However, if he is concerned, we would encourage him to speak to the Patient Advice and Liaison Team who can investigate and provide support."

The trust said cancer and most urgent operations and appointments have continued to be prioritised during industrial action and the ophthalmology team was on target to have treated all patients waiting longer than 65 weeks by the end of March 2024.

The British Medical Association (BMA), which represents doctors in the UK, has asked for a 35% pay increase.

Junior doctors received a pay rise averaging nearly 9% this financial year - and during talks at the end of last year, the option of an extra 3% on top of that was discussed.

But those talks ended in early December without a deal being reached.