New clinic for people with sight loss

The new service is delivered by MySight York, a local registered charity, in partnership with York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who already operate the existing eye (ophthalmology) department at the stadium.

People who require treatment and follow-up for age-related macular degeneration, as well as intravitreal therapy, attend the eye department for regular appointments.  The eye department currently manages approximately 2,000 eye appointments every month, but with an aging population, the demand for eye care services is expected to grow.

With the support of MySight York’s services, the department will be able to support an additional 600 new patients a year.  They will also be to access comprehensive support services designed to improve their quality of life and live well with sight loss.

Karen Priestman, Associate Chief Operating Officer, York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“We work hard to ensure better outcomes for patients with sight loss, and we are proud of our working partnership with My Sight York.

“We know that being diagnosed with an eye condition can be difficult to come to terms with and it can be an extremely challenging time both practically and emotionally. My Sight York already holds regular eye clinics at York Hospital which provide emotional and practical support to anyone experiencing difficulties with a change in vision, so this new additional service at the stadium is welcome news.”

MySight York’s Chief Executive, Scott Jobson, added:

 “The number of patients we will be supporting is expected to grow with an aging population. Our new service is great news for patients as our sight support specialist will be able to assist with existing tools as well as emerging technology.

“This partnership represents a significant enhancement to the existing eye care support pathway, providing patients with tailored guidance and assistance that extends beyond clinical appointments.”