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Appointments

Posted By Dympna66

"Appointments"

About: Mater Hospital / Macular Unit

(as the patient),

It's to do with appointments. I have been attending the macular clinic in Belfast for some years now. I get an injection in my right eye. My left eye is too far gone to have an injection, so I am very dependent on the injection keeping what sight I have.

I started off every 8 weeks but never got an appointment for 8 weeks, it ran into 9 weeks, then I was told I would be getting tne injection every 10 weeks but my latest appointment is 13 weeks since my last injection, so I am very worried.

I am a widow in my 80s, my husband passed away just recently so now that I am on my own it is scary.

Now I  have to say the nursing staff and those involved in giving the injection are lovely and very caring.

I feel very let down. There doesn't seem to be anyone to speak to, except when you ring up they just say sorry there are no appointments available. .

Appointments

Appointments


Reception

Reception


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Responses

Response from Laura Reut, Ophthalmology Assistant Service Manager for Macular and Glaucoma Services, Ophthalmology Mater Hospital, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust 3 months ago
Laura Reut
Ophthalmology Assistant Service Manager for Macular and Glaucoma Services, Ophthalmology Mater Hospital,
Belfast Health & Social Care Trust

Submitted on 29/07/2025 at 12:11
Published on Care Opinion at 12:42

picture of Laura Reut

Dear Dympna66,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience. I want to start by acknowledging just how important your treatment is, and how worrying it must feel when there are delays. It’s clear how dedicated you’ve been to attending your appointments over the years, and I am truly sorry to hear about the distress this latest delay has caused you.

We completely understand how vital the injections are to help maintain your sight, especially with the added difficulty of having already lost vision in your left eye. Your concern is entirely justified, and I want to assure you that your voice is being heard.

Please accept our deepest condolences on the recent loss of your husband. Navigating these challenges alone can feel overwhelming, and your strength in speaking out is admirable.

We are currently in the process of expanding the Macular Clinic service to help meet the growing demand, and while this is a positive step for the future, we understand it doesn’t take away the immediate worry you’re facing.

If you would be willing to give us a call on the following direct line: 02896156879, we would very much like to look into this matter together with you and hopefully find a suitable and timely solution.

Once again, thank you for your kind words about the staff. They will be truly heartened to hear that their care has made a positive difference.

With warm regards and best wishes,

Laura.

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