Glasgow health chiefs have been urged to deal with crippling waiting lists by a councillor who has been forced to wait almost six months for vital surgery to help him see. 

Robert Mooney, who is registered blind, says many patients like him are experiencing ‘unacceptable and lengthy delays’ to remove cataracts - with some of his constituents reportedly now too scared to leave their homes due to the deterioration in their vision.

He is now calling on NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) to urgently address the situation and 'restore patients' quality of life'.

Glasgow Times:

Cllr Mooney, 66, who has limited sight, told the Glasgow Times: “I can barely see a thing now and the cataract is making everyday tasks even more difficult. 

“My optician told me I need to have it removed two-and-a-half years ago yet I’m now being told the NHS only received my referral in June.

"My eyes are very complex, and I still don’t have a date to see an ophthalmologist - and there’s still no sign of it happening.  

“I’m not the only one in this position and I’ve heard from several people who are also experiencing ridiculous delays.  

“I’ve been told that because cataract surgery is not classed as an emergency, it won’t happen anytime soon. Meanwhile, my sight is getting worse, and it is making doing my job and carrying out routine tasks more and more stressful.

"The health board needs to get a move on.

“Basically, if people can’t pay thousands of pounds for a private procedure, then they are left in limbo for months and possibly years. It’s completely unacceptable and people deserve better. For someone who is registered blind, having another barrier to overcome around your sight is extremely stressful.” 

A cataract occurs when the clear lens inside an eye starts to turn cloudy, causing blurred vision. At first, the effects can be subtle, but if left untreated they can lead to blindness.

They usually affect older people, but they can occur at any age and seriously affect a sufferer’s quality of life. 

The only treatment for cataracts is to have them removed, but with elective surgery delays across the health board area, many people are being told treatment is possibly years on from their initial diagnosis. 

Glasgow Times:

We previously told how cllr Mooney, who was born with albinism that has impacted his vision, and his wife Linda, who is also registered blind, are campaigning for better safety crossings for the visually impaired across Glasgow.  

He added: “I know what it’s like to struggle with sight loss, and so does my wife. 

“I’m appalled at the length of time it is taking for what is basically a routine procedure to go ahead. It’s reached the point where I can barely see, and I know that a simple 20-minute operation would help change that.  

“Around 85% of people with sight loss are over 65 and I’m hearing from pensioners who have become too scared to leave the house because their cataracts have been allowed to get worse and worse. 

“I understand a lot of operations were put on hold because of the pandemic but surely the NHS should be getting back to normal by now. 

“It’s simply not fair to leave people struggling and facing ridiculous delays. Every time I contact the NHS to ask when it’s likely to go ahead, I’m met with excuse after excuse. It’s just not on, this needs to be addressed, not just for me, but for others in the same situation.” 

A spokesman for NHSGGC said: “NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde cannot comment on individual patient cases, but we will speak with Mr Mooney directly to discuss any queries he has and clear up any confusion around his referral.  

"Our staff are working extremely hard at a time of considerable pressure to provide the highest possible standard of care to our patients and are continuing to prioritise urgent and emergency care.”