Current status: Answered by Angela Constance on 3 August 2026
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of whether the current number of ophthalmology specialty training places is sufficient to meet projected demand arising from an ageing population and the increasing prevalence of chronic eye conditions.
Following annual reviews of the number of specialty training places needed to meet anticipated future service demand and consultant need, the Scottish Government has funded the creation of approximately 850 additional posts across multiple specialities since 2014, including in ophthalmology.
The number of Ophthalmology Consultants working in NHS Scotland has increased by 54.7% in the last 20 years, from 86.4 WTE in September 2006 to 133.7 WTE as of 31 March 2026. Over the last decade, the workforce has increased by 3.4%, from 129.3 WTE on 31 March 2016 to 133.7 WTE on 31 March 2026.