4000 blood pressure checks performed in optometry practices

A Primary Eyecare Services (PES) initiative saw 4000 patients receive blood pressure checks in High Street optometry practices in the first eight months of the pilot.

The NHS hypertension pilot is a partnership between Primary Eyecare Services, NHS commissioners and local optical committees.

Practices in Greater Manchester, Lancashire, South Cumbria, Gloucestershire, Cheshire and Merseyside are currently delivering blood pressure checks for eligible patients.

A statement from PES highlighted that 22% of patients were referred for further investigation following abnormal readings.

Stockport patient, Norma Booth, was found to be having an “active heart attack” after she had a blood pressure check through the pilot.

Her optometrist, Gohar Majid, said that Booth came in because she was feeling dizzy and thought it might be related to her eyes.

While all the tests suggested no changes in Booth’s prescription, Majid decided to perform a blood pressure check as part of the new pilot scheme.

“It was a lot higher than we were expecting. That blood pressure test was really helpful in getting her the care that she needed,” Majid said.

Booth was swiftly taken to hospital to receive treatment. She expressed her gratitude for the timely care she received after her abnormal blood pressure result was flagged through the pilot.

“It was a miracle – it is absolutely a lifesaver,” she said.

As a result of the pilot, in the first eight months 44 patients received medical interventions following an abnormal blood pressure reading.

Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Local Optical Committee chair, Julia Maiden, explained that the 90 optometry practices that were initially selected for the pilot are located in areas of deprivation.

“By providing easy access to blood pressure checks in optometry practices, we can effectively screen underserved communities and individuals who may not seek care in other healthcare settings,” she said.

“The data highlights the service’s effectiveness in identifying undiagnosed hypertension – an intervention that can significantly reduce long-term cardiovascular risk,” Maiden highlighted.

Primary Eyecare Services chief executive, Dharmesh Patel, said: “This pilot reflects the importance of optometry’s role in supporting the NHS’ 10-Year Plan of neighbourhood-led healthcare, offering convenient, accessible and effective care for more patients across England.”