My teleoptometry role

Before I started working in this teleoptometry role, PES provided me with comprehensive training, which equipped me with the knowledge and skills required to manage patients who present with a wide range of ocular presentations virtually in a teleoptometry setting.

Bolstering confidence and clinical knowledge

Alongside my PES teleoptometry work, which I do three days a week, I also work in practice and in the hospital eye service. The skills I’ve learnt in order to manage patients since I’ve started working for PES means my routine is now very different to before. In a virtual setting, you have to find innovative ways to get certain things from patients. In this setting, we can’t carry out clinical tests, so we depend fully on patients’ answers. It’s about being able to tailor my history and symptoms to work out whether this patient is a routine, urgent, or an emergency case. It has helped me to cut down my urgent referrals, even when working in-person in a practice setting.

You have to find innovative ways to get certain things from patients. In this setting, we can’t carry out clinical tests, so we depend fully on patients’ answers

As an optometrist, teleoptometry has really advanced my clinical knowledge and my confidence in how to manage different patients. It has enhanced my clinical reasoning and my communication skills, because in this role don’t rely on diagnostic tools. It has developed my ability to interpret certain things from the history. We can do virtual consultations if we need to, but the majority of it is via telephone, or we will ask for images. But sometimes, older patients might struggle to use the technology. So, it is often solely going on what they are saying. It’s trying to find a way, as a clinician, to get to the bottom of the symptoms they have, and diagnose in a safe way in that environment. As a practitioner, it has really helped me to work autonomously.

Benefit for patients

In terms of demographic, it’s a broad range. The youngest patient I have had was one month old. It suits patients in rural areas, because we can provide the service to them very quickly. It is beneficial for patients with mobility issues, patients who struggle to get out of the house, or who even just have a very busy schedule. We’re able to screen the patients and determine whether it is something that urgently needs to be seen. Having this service in place takes the strain off the NHS, too.

We are able to provide the treatment and reassurance, which is often needed. With some of the patients, it is just that they do need reassurance, and to be told that they don’t need to go into the hospital eye service to be seen – they can self-manage, whether that be with us advising, or us referring them to the pharmacy. That is really beneficial for the patients. It’s saving the NHS’ time, but it also saves their time, and they’re able to receive that care as soon as possible.

Teleoptometry plays an important role in future-proofing the profession, and supporting the NHS 10-Year Health Plan by improving accessibility, and reducing pressure on primary and secondary care. Also, it allows us to collaborate. We work alongside GPs, the hospital, and other optometrists. We’re developing a collaborative network, and in that way, we are able to best manage the patient.