Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

Mr Q complained about the care and treatment his mother, Mrs R, received from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. In particular, whether the treatment Mrs R received from November 2021 in relation to her right eye intraocular pressure (“IOP” – when the fluid pressure in the eye is high) was appropriate, and whether this caused a subsequent delay in cataract surgery which eventually took place in September 2022.

The Ombudsman found that the treatment Mrs R received from November 2021 in relation to her right eye IOP was appropriate. Before Mrs R could undergo cataract surgery on her right eye, it was essential that her IOP was reduced first. The Ombudsman was satisfied that the Health Board followed relevant national guidance in addressing this issue.

Once Mrs R’s IOP reduced, she was scheduled for cataract surgery. The Ombudsman concluded that the delay was unavoidable.

Mr Q’s complaint was not upheld.