“Optometrists can play an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease”

An NHS pilot has seen five optometry practices in Bexley and Hackney in London offering blood pressure checks to patients.

Following the pilot, the NHS has rolled out the trial to more clinical practices across England, with 15 local integrated care boards involved in the initiative.

The scheme aims to identify and support people at risk of high blood pressure, which usually has no symptoms, by offering blood pressure checks in optometry and dental practices.

Involved in the original pilot, Beg Opticians saw the effect that the health checks can have in early detection in asymptomatic patients.

Mahmud Beg, optometrist and practice owner, explained that his two practices both joined the pilot after NHS England issued an expression of interest for participation.

The first phase of the scheme launched in October 2023 offering blood pressure checks to patients.

The second phase of the pilot, which followed in May 2024, expanded the service to both blood pressure and atrial fibrillation checks.

Participants in the pilot attended a one-day course funded by NHS England. The training required participants to complete and obtain accreditation in NHS Health Check modules, followed by a clinical validation assessment conducted by a clinician.

Describing the response from patients to OT, Beg shared: “Most patients visiting my optical practices were pleased to undergo these checks, appreciating the relaxed atmosphere an optical practice provided. The overall response was very positive, particularly from patients who were unable to visit their GP or community pharmacy for these health checks.”

The health checks are provided free of charge to patients who meet the eligibility criteria, without the need to book a sight test.

“As an optometrist, I personally conducted all health checks, which typically took about 10 minutes. This included performing the tests and offering lifestyle advice to the patients,” he said.

The health checks identified patients with high and very high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation.

Beg said: “I have referred several patients with very high blood pressure who required immediate medical treatment. Most of the patients have returned to the practice to express their gratitude. They acknowledged that if these issues hadn’t been detected at the optical practice and treated promptly, the health outcomes could have been much worse.”

Most of the patients have returned to the practice to express their gratitude. They acknowledged that if these issues hadn’t been detected at the optical practice and treated promptly, the health outcomes could have been much worse

In one case in which a patient attended the practice for a routine blood pressure check, the monitor detected signs of an irregular heart rhythm, Beg explained.

“After performing a pulse check, I identified signs of tachycardia and immediately referred the patient to their GP,” he said.

“The patient was quickly prescribed medication to manage the condition, which, if left untreated, could have led to serious cardiac complications. The patient later returned to the practice, expressing great relief and gratitude for the early detection,” he added.

One outcome of offering the service, which Beg admitted had surprised him, was the age of the patients in which some of the conditions were identified.

“Younger patients have then sought treatment via their GP as a result of hypertension and atrial fibrillation being caught during this service,” he said.

Asked for his view on the role optometry practices can play in these forms of health checks, Beg told OT: “Optometrists can play an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.”

“By offering opportunistic testing such as in this pilot, it offers the possibility to reach a cohort of patients which may not visit the GP or the pharmacist. If the condition is detected early and managed, this can lead to a better patient outcome and reduce the burden on the NHS,” he added.

Reflecting on the scheme, Beg said he would encourage other optometrists to participate and expressed his hope that, as a result of the trial, the service is offered to optical practices nationwide.