New research has highlighted pressure on ophthalmology waiting lists in Harrogate as funding issues threaten England’s eye health care system.

The report was commissioned by Harrogate eye health specialists Newmedica Harrogate and is the first detailed analysis of both ophthalmology waiting list pressure and disparities in access to treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts and glaucoma across England.

The report found major disparities in access to eye health care across the country, with growing pressure on waiting lists with 86 percent of Newmedica’s clinics across England located within an area facing increasing ophthalmology waiting lists.

Consultant, Mr David Dunleavy, of Newmedica Harrogate, which is based at Grove Park Court, said: “Patients are being let down.

Concern over eye care system - A new report commissioned by Harrogate eye health specialists Newmedica Harrogate is the first detailed analysis of ophthalmology waiting list pressure.

placeholder image — Concern over eye care system - A new report commissioned by Harrogate eye health specialists Newmedica Harrogate is the first detailed analysis of ophthalmology waiting list pressure.

"The growing pressure we see on ophthalmology waiting lists is a clear warning that eye health in Harrogate and across England is under threat.

“This isn’t a failure of clinical expertise.

"We work closely with the NHS every day and see first-hand the exceptional care provided to patients in Harrogate.

"Rather, the increasing pressure on waiting lists is a consequence of a system under funding pressure and a lack of transparency which makes it impossible for health commissioners to prioritise need.

“The result is that many instances of avoidable sight loss continues to occur, often because care is delivered too late.”

The research focussed on additional patient referrals relative to completed patient pathways.

By this measure, 7,725 patients were added to NHS Humber and North Yorkshire waiting lists in 2025, with only 7,072 receiving treatment.

Newmedica Harrogate which offers both NHS-funded and private eye treatment for conditions including cataracts, is owned and led by Mr David Dunleavy, Mr Aldrin Khan, Mr Kamran Khan and Mr David Richards alongside operations director, Steve Kirk.

Mr Dunleavy said: “The situation must be tackled through reform aligned to the 10 Year Health Plan which will generate greater collaboration between independent and NHS providers and deliver genuine patient choice.

"By embracing this reform, there’s a real opportunity to increase capacity, increase treatment levels and significantly improve ophthalmology patient outcomes in Harrogate and across the country.”

For more information: http://www.newmedica.co.uk/championing-eye-health