Greater Manchester Eye Care Navigation Service launches

Greater Manchester has seen the launch of a new eye care service that will act as a single point of access for all non-emergency ophthalmology referrals from local optometry practices in the region.

The new Greater Manchester Eye Care Navigation Service was commissioned by Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board and will be provided by Primary Eyecare Services.

The service will handle routine and urgent referrals and aims to provide faster and more convenient access to eye care, with referrals handled electronically and reviewed within 24–48 hours.

In a statement announcing the launch, Primary Eyecare Services shared: “This marks a significant shift in how patients are directed to care, ensuring they are seen by the right professional, in the right setting, at the right time.”

Suitable cases will be redirected from hospital eye services to community care, helping to ease pressure on the NHS, Primary Eyecare Services suggested.

A digital portal and support helpline is available to help patients choose providers based on location, waiting times, and quality ratings.

The launch results from a collaboration between the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board, Primary Eyecare Services, hospital providers, and local optical committees.

Primary Eyecare Services noted that the launch of the new service builds on successful implementations in other regions: “where 34,000 referrals have been analysed, with almost 22% of referrals safely diverted to primary and community eye care services.”

The provider suggested the new service in Greater Manchester offers an increased choice of care for patients, and by attending local optometry services where appropriate, patients can avoid long travel times, save money, and reduce disruption to their daily lives.

Seeing patients locally could also help to cut carbon emissions by 49%, the provider suggested.

Commissioners will benefit from data insights, with the service to provide reports on performance, health inequalities, and referral trends.

Highlighting the benefits of the new services for commissioners, Primary Eyecare Services stated: “By guiding patients to the right service, the model saves money and helps balance demand. It also supports personalised care by giving patients more choice and ensuring referrals are based on clinical need.”