"Follow Up Appointment Request"

I’m writing to express my concern regarding a delayed follow-up appointment at your ophthalmology clinic. I was last seen in the final week of March and was advised to return in six months, which would have been around late September. However, I have not received any appointment letter or communication since.

Late last month, I contacted the hospital for clarification and was directed to the Outpatient Clinic instead of Ophthalmology. I was told I wasn’t due until October, which contradicted the advice I had previously received. The staff member said they would pass on the information to the clinic and that I would receive a letter, but I’ve yet to hear back.

I followed up again more recently and was once more directed to the Outpatient Clinic. This time, I was informed that I’m currently in a queue and will be notified when an appointment is scheduled. This delay and inconsistent information is frustrating, as I am now more than six weeks overdue for my follow-up.

I also reached out to the Feedback Line and spoke with a very kind staff member who contacted both the Outpatient and Ophthalmology Clinics on my behalf. I was told that my referral may not have been triaged as urgently due to a reduction in acute symptoms, and was advised to seek interim care from a GP or optometrist which was not the case when I attended the clinic last time.

As someone living in a regional area approximately 600 km from Perth and working in public health, I find this situation disappointing. I wasn’t informed during my last visit that my follow-up might be deprioritized, and I now feel left without clear guidance or support. My eyesight is extremely important to me, and while I understand the pressures on the public health system, this delay has had a significant impact on my wellbeing.