Roll out begins for post-op cataract framework

Primary Eyecare North Yorkshire and Humber (PENYH) have become the first eye care company to sign up and implement a shared care agreement for post-operative cataract services with Newmedica.

The agreement is designed to improve the continuity of care for NHS cataract patients by allowing them to return to their optometrist for aftercare post cataract surgery. The aftercare is provided in the community under the guidance of ophthalmologists from Newmedica’s centre in Grimsby.

Around 15 practices are already signed up to the scheme through PENYH, with more expected to join, said Newmedica.

More than 33 optometrists attended a recent evening event in Leeds in order to become accredited to provide post-cataract care.

Newmedica opened its forth clinic which is based in Leeds last month. Clinical director of Newmedica Leeds, Aldrin Khan, gave a lecture on post-operative complications after cataract surgery, with CET-accredited discussion workshops afterwards.

Mr Khan confirmed that the clinic intends to run regular events like this. “We look forward to building an ever-closer relationship with optometrists to improve eye care for patients,” he said.

In line with the post-cataract framework for community optometrists that has been agreed by Newmedica and the Local Optical Committee Support Unit, the new clinic accepts referrals from local optometrists, and GPs, with patients returning to their optometrist for aftercare.

The clinic also provides ophthalmology services for NHS patients under the locally-commissioned any qualified provider framework and through patient choice. Services include outpatient consultations and diagnostic scans, cataracts surgery, YAG laser capsulotomy, oculoplastics and treatment for glaucoma, peripheral iridotomy and medical retina services.