To ask the Minister of Health to detail the current waiting time for (i) paediatric squint surgery; and (ii) adult squint surgery.

There are only two provider Trusts for ophthalmology, Belfast and Western, and only Belfast Health and Social Care Trust undertake paediatric squint surgery off a regional list.

The current regional waiting list time, reported by the BHSCT, for paediatric squint surgery is 1 year and 9 months.

The current waiting list time for adult squint surgery is:

BHSCT – 7 years

WHSCT – 6 years

Although not sight-threatening, the presence of squint in both adults and children can be very distressing, and indeed can have a negative impact on both learning and employment opportunities. It is unacceptable that anyone should have to wait for the opportunity for surgical correction of squint for longer than is clinically necessary.

My Department recognises the historical and ongoing workforce challenges that have resulted in these unacceptably-long waiting times. In order to help address this, my Department’s Elective Care Framework made a commitment to examining an extended role for orthoptists (AHPs) as assistant in theatre, which would support Consultant Ophthalmologists and recognise the unique skills of hospital orthoptists.

This model has been successfully trialled in Belfast Trust for adult and paediatric cases. It includes a role for orthoptic-led pre-assessment and postoperative review clinics which frees consultant capacity and makes inroads into the long waiting times outlined above.

In terms of impact, the pilot has allowed for approximately 14 adult lists to proceed from October 2024 to date with approximately 20 patients operated on and a further 20 removed by orthoptic assessment (without ophthalmology visits) as no longer suitable for the adult lists. The overall number waiting is reducing but has not necessarily impacted as yet on the length as the wait. The principles outlined within Integrated Elective Access Protocols are being adhered to.

The paediatric the waiting list was 4 years pre-the pilot but this is now approximately 18 months. And has permitted the release of extra capacity within paediatric clinics.

The model is currently being audited with a Business Case for mainstreaming currently being progressed, subject to available funding.