Connecting for Health (IT)

Roll-out of IT services for optometry

27/09/2010

New IT links between high street opticians and hospitals are set to be introduced across Scotland to improve services for patients. The new system, which builds on the investment already made in enhanced free eye examinations, will enable optometrists to send images of patients who they suspect have serious eye problems directly to hospital. The consultant will then decide on the same day whether or not a patient needs a hospital appointment. The scheme, which is being rolled out following a successful pilot in Fife, will lead to reduced waiting times and fewer unnecessary hospital attendances.

It is expected to reduce the average time between patients going to an optometrist and being given a hospital eye service appointment from 15 to nine weeks. Another benefit is that optometrists do not have to refer patients back to their GP for a hospital appointment. A total of £6.6 million has been invested in the project, but it is expected to save £2.75 million through reduced waiting times and unnecessary appointments. The number of patients with wet macular degeneration disease who can receive potentially sight saving injections within a 'golden' two week window is also expected to increase.

Please click here to read the full press release from the Scottish Government.