Sandwell & West Birmingham Ophthalmology Recall

If you were a patient under Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust's ophthalmology or glaucoma services and experienced delayed care, you may have suffered avoidable harm. Our specialist group action team can help you understand your options.

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Author

Francesca Paul

Partner, Group Action Lead

Reviewer

Christian Beadell

Partner and Head of Clinical Negligence

Last Updated

17th July 2026

Can I make a Sandwell & West Birmingham ophthalmology claim?

You may be eligible to join this group action if you were a patient within Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust’s ophthalmology or glaucoma services and experienced significant delays in your follow-up appointments – leading to a deterioration in your vision or other related harm.

The scale of this issue is significant. Internal investigations have identified that over 7,500 glaucoma patients were overdue reviews as of November 2024. By June 2025, the backlog across ophthalmology had risen to approximately 17,000 patients. We’re concerned that as many as 7,000 people may now be suffering avoidable harm as a result.

We already represent a number of individuals who have experienced delayed follow-up appointments and have suffered a decline in their vision. In some cases, this is irreversible. If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, it’s worth speaking to us. We’ll tell you honestly what we think and what your options are.

Example of a Sandwell & West Birmingham ophthalmology claim

Imagine a glaucoma patient who should have been scheduled a follow-up appointment, but suffered a significant wait to see their opthamologist. During that time, their condition progressed unchecked, resulting in permanent loss of peripheral vision. If that deterioration could have been prevented with timely care, this could form the basis of a valid claim within the group action.

Related claims alongside this group action

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Over 400 specialists in our Medical Negligence team

What compensation can help with

Funding the care and treatment you should have received sooner.

For those who have experienced serious or irreversible sight loss, the impact is significant. Loss of vision, or a serious deterioration in your vision, can affect your ability to manage day-to-day, and can have a knock-on effect on your confidence and sense of self. The level of compensation will depend on the severity of your sight loss, how it has affected your daily life and ability to work, and the care and support you’re likely to need in the future. No two cases are exactly alike, and we’ll work with you to understand what a fair outcome looks like for you.

A successful Sandwell & West Birmingham ophthalmology recall claim may help fund:

Specialist eye treatment, surgery or ongoing ophthalmological care
Rehabilitation and vision support therapies
Assistive technology and specialist equipment to support daily living
Adaptations to your home or workplace
Loss of earnings, both current and future
Psychological support and counselling
Travel and transport costs related to your care and recovery

What compensation can provide

When we consider you case, we consider how you are impacted both now and in the future. It is about ensuring you have the financial means to accesses the care you need. The value of a claim will depend on the extent of your sight loss, your age, how the condition has affected your ability to work, and your need for ongoing care and support. Cases involving serious or permanent loss of vision can result in substantial settlements. We’ll assess your individual circumstances carefully and give you a clear picture of what you may be entitled to. This is an ongoing group action, so more details on case outcomes will be released as they are available.

Understanding special and general damages

A settlement is made up of general damages and special damages. General damages address the non-financial impact of your injury, including pain and suffering and the effect on your day-to-day life.

Special damages cover the specific financial losses you can evidence, from medical treatment and rehabilitation costs to lost income and travel expenses. Our team will make sure both are carefully calculated and properly reflected in your claim.

Specialist group action solicitors

Why choose Fletchers for your Sandwell & West Birmingham ophthalmology claim?

Group actions against NHS trusts are complex and require solicitors with specialist experience in both clinical negligence and large-scale litigation. At Fletchers, our dedicated group actions team has the expertise, resources and care to guide you through this process - making sure your voice is heard and your claim is handled with the attention it deserves.

Expertise you can rely on

Specialist clinical negligence and group action solicitors with extensive NHS litigation experience
Already representing patients affected by the Sandwell and West Birmingham ophthalmology delays
Clear, compassionate advice from the first conversation – with no pressure to proceed
Access to independent medical experts to assess your claim and the harm you have suffered
Rated highly by clients for care, communication and support throughout the claims process
No win, no fee, so you can pursue your claim without financial risk

You're not alone

We’re here to help.

We understand that joining a legal action can feel daunting, particularly when you’re already dealing with the effects of a health problem. That is why we make it as straightforward as possible. Speaking to us does not commit you to anything. Our role is to listen, to explain your options clearly, and to help you make the best decision for you.

If you decide to proceed, we’ll handle every part of the process on your behalf – from gathering evidence and instructing independent experts, to keeping you informed at every stage. You will not be left to navigate this alone.

Concerns about your sight can be frightening. Whether you have already noticed a change in your vision or are simply worried that delayed care may have put you at risk, it is completely natural to feel anxious, confused, or unsure of what to do next. Many people in exactly this position have come to us not knowing whether they had a claim – just knowing that something had gone wrong.

The impact of avoidable sight loss goes far beyond the physical. It can affect all aspects of your life. Adjusting to changes in your vision – particularly where those changes could have been prevented – can take a significant emotional toll, and we want you to know that we take that seriously.

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FAQs about the Sandwell & West Birmingham Ophthalmology group action

What is a group action?

A group action – sometimes called a group litigation order or multi-party claim – is where a number of people who have suffered harm in similar circumstances bring their claims together.

This can be more efficient and effective than individual claims, particularly where the negligence involves a systemic failure affecting many patients, as appears to be the case here.

How do I know if I am eligible to join this group action?

You may be eligible if you were treated within Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust’s ophthalmology or glaucoma services, experienced delayed follow-up appointments between 2020 and the present day, and have suffered a deterioration in your vision or other related harm as a result.

If you’re unsure, please get in touch and we’ll assess your situation honestly.

Does contacting Fletchers commit me to making a claim?

No. Speaking to us is simply an opportunity to understand your options.

We’ll listen to your experience, explain what we think, and give you the information you need to make the right decision for you – with no pressure to proceed.

What evidence will I need?

We’ll help you gather the evidence needed to support your claim.

This is likely to include your medical records from Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, details of any appointments that were delayed or missed, and evidence of the harm you have suffered – such as changes in your vision. We’ll instruct independent medical experts where needed to assess your case.

What if my sight loss is permanent - can I still claim?

Yes. In fact, cases involving serious or irreversible sight loss are often among the most significant in terms of the compensation available.

Even where the harm cannot be reversed, compensation can help fund the care, equipment and support that allows you to live as independently as possible going forward.

Is this a No Win No Fee claim?

Yes. We handle group action claims on a No Win No Fee basis, which means you can pursue your claim without any upfront financial risk. We’ll explain the full terms clearly before you proceed.

What support is available during my claim?

Throughout your claim, our team will keep you informed at every stage and make sure you understand what is happening and what comes next. We can also help you access independent medical support and connect you with relevant services.

What is your legal guidance for Sandwell & West Birmingham Ophthalmology patients?

Our dedicated team can support if you believe you may have been impacted by:

Delayed glaucoma follow–up appointments
Delayed ophthalmology treatment
A decline or change in your vision that was not reviewed in time

We understand how worrying sight–related issues can be, and our friendly legal specialists will talk you through your options in a clear and compassionate way.