Home   News   Article

Lymington Hospital glaucoma patient given October 2026 date for next appointment by University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS)




A man who has suffered from glaucoma since birth was told he might wait 21 months for his next appointment with an eye specialist.

Dudley Todd (80), who has been going to regular appointments at Lymington hospital for 22 years, thinks it is “diabolical” he could now wait until October 2026 for his next visit.

During Mr Todd’s last visit to the hospital in November, he was told by a specialist he should try to make his next appointment for four to six months’ time.

Dudley Todd
Dudley Todd

“When the appointment letter finally came through it had a date of October 8th, 2026,” he told the A&T. “I rang up and queried it and they said it was the earliest appointment available.”

Mr Todd, who worked as a medical records officer for the NHS until 1979, continued: “I think it’s diabolical – what should be a six-month wait for an appointment is going to be 21 months.

“I’ve lived in Sway for 22 years and I’ve been going to Lymington hospital for 22 years.

Dudley Todd has been going to regular appointments at Lymington Hospital for 22 years
Dudley Todd has been going to regular appointments at Lymington Hospital for 22 years

“My glaucoma is hereditary, my sister and my mum have it, but I’m beginning to wonder if the government gives a toss about people who are 80 or older.

“It’s just an impression people my age get.”

He added: “Prior to this I’ve had problems getting appointments but it’s never been this bad.

“I’ve always had to ring the hospital up to get appointments brought forward – they never call me – but this time I’m getting nowhere.

“It’s the state of the country. I’ve heard the government saying they are going to put on extra NHS appointments, but then I get this.”

Mr Todd has written to New Forest East MP Sir Julian Lewis to complain about the wait time.

The MP wrote back to Mr Todd saying: “I have written to the chief executive at the relevant local NHS trust and will be sure to let you have the reply as soon as this is available.

“I hope this is helpful for the moment and I was sorry to learn about this very disappointing situation.”

Mr Todd has also complained directly to David French, chief executive of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS), which administers eye appointments at Lymington hospital.

A trust spokesperson told the A&T: “We can confirm we have received a letter from MP Julian Lewis regarding Mr Todd’s complaint, which has been responded to by the trust’s chief executive officer David French.

“In that response Mr French explains a significant rise in the number of patients with glaucoma, and other serious eye conditions, has led to increased pressure and demand on the ophthalmology service which has had an impact on the availability of appointments.

“This situation reflects a national picture which has been widely reported by the media and the issue was also discussed in the House of Commons earlier this year.”

Describing the action being taken over a rise in eye patient cases, the spokesperson continued: “As a trust, we have been working hard to address this issue which includes the recruitment of three additional doctors who started at the beginning of this month and, in addition, we have also contracted an external, independent sector provider who can deliver more capacity which will roll-out in mid-January.

“Patients who have received appointment dates later than expected have also been told the booking teams are aware of the timescales for follow-ups, as suggested by their clinicians, and will do everything possible to bring their appointments forward.

“In practical terms that means we will review the follow-up wait times on a patient-by-patient basis and bring forward the appointment so that patients are seen in a clinically appropriate timescale. The extra capacity we are introducing will accelerate this process and we expect patients, such as Mr Todd, to be offered new appointments far sooner.”



Comments | 0
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More