Aston University partners with Eye-Docs to develop digital referral system

Aston University has partnered with independent eye hospital, Eye-Docs, to develop a digital referral system with the aim of streamlining the transfer of information between primary and secondary care.

A statement from Aston University highlighted that the Knowledge Transfer Partnership would use data analytics and machine learning to “enable data-driven decision making.”

For example, the project aims to create a system that uses past patient data to forecast patient needs and outcomes from treatment.

Eye-Docs, which treats both private and NHS patients, works with a network of 42 optometry practices.

Eye-Docs operations manager, Anne Sharkey, highlighted that a new digital platform would help Eye-Docs “build new bridges with local optometrists.”

“By going on this digital journey with the team at Aston University, we’ll no longer rely on the hand-written and manually entered patient information that still forms the basis of so many referrals and records,” she said.

Aston Business School senior lecturer, Dr Yang Zhao, explained that while Eye-Docs already has software systems in place, the project would use advanced analytics to “connect the dots across the entire patient journey.”

“Our data-led approach links referring opticians, specialist ophthalmologists, patients, and clinic operations managers in one smooth flow that makes the referral process much easier for everyone and opens up new ways to grow the clinic. Once developed, it’s an approach that could be adopted by other clinics to help modernise how patients are managed across the eye care sector,” she said.