Transforming access to eye care

We believe provision should be available nationwide across three core lines of eye care services, to drive equality of access and deliver better outcomes for patients.

Optometry can provide:

• A range of services that prevent patients being referred to hospitals, releasing capacity, reducing false positive referrals and ensuring equity of patient access
• Community focused care – that moves suitable patients out of hospital and provides follow up care closer to home for lower risk patients
• Services underpinned by technology, the single patient record and the NHS app.

Eye care services with impact:

• Any eye problem
  Treating common eye problems and conditions locally, in High Street opticians avoids unnecessary A&E or GP visits, reduces waiting lists and patient worry.

• Integrated pathways for eye health conditions
  Managing referrals and monitoring patients in the community for conditions like glaucoma reduces pressure on overstretched hospitals, supports early intervention and protects patients at risk.

• Faster eye care referrals and diagnosis
  Connecting primary eye care with hospitals and utilise imaging technology in High Street practice so the diagnosis and treatment of eye disease is quicker, more convenient for patients and reduces hospital visits.