A postcode lottery

We’re facing a postcode lottery crisis in glaucoma care.

Less than 1 in 5 patients have locally commissioned glaucoma schemes, meaning many miss out on diagnosis and treatment.  

As a result, over half of High Street optometrists report that they have seen a patient in the last year who has lost sight due to late detection or delays in treatment for glaucoma - simply because the services available differ, depending on where you live.

In some parts of the country optometrists can now detect, monitor and treat glaucoma. This is easing the burden on hospital eye clinics by halving referral rates¹ into hospital and helping patients to get care quickly and closer to home.

But patients without services in their area face longer waits and poorer outcomes, often with life-changing consequences as a result.

With all eye conditions, including glaucoma, expected to rise by 25% over the next decade² – and NHS services already under pressure – the situation can only get worse.

Which is why we are calling on the Government to act now – to utilise the network of High Street optometrists up and down the country and stop the postcode lottery of care.

A national roll-out of glaucoma eye care services through community opticians will help to prevent avoidable sight loss, and reduce pressure on the NHS.

It’s the right solution for the public and for the NHS.

References

1. Fortune telling, Optometry Today
2. Key interventions to transform eye care and eye health