27 March 2018
The Local Optical Committee Support Unit has appointed ophthalmologist, Christiane Shrimpton, as director of ophthalmology.
Ms Shrimpton takes up the newly established role after leading major service reforms as the ophthalmology lead for the Better Care Together (BCT) initiative.
The scheme saw close to 6000 appointments move from the hospital eye service to community optical practices in its first year in 2014.
Ms Shrimpton highlighted that her role within BCT will be of value in helping Local Optical Committees and Primary Eyecare Companies to develop a closer relationship with ophthalmology departments.
“Having experience of a population-based approach to pathway redesign and working across organisational boundaries to make community eye services both cost-effective and more convenient for patients is at the heart of both health reform and improvement,” she shared.
“I look forward to working with the community sector to ensure it is part of the solution to reducing hospital pressures,” Ms Shrimpton emphasised.
LOCSU chief operating officer, Richard Whittington, described Ms Shrimpton’s appointment, with her ophthalmology and strategic experience, as a “double coup” for LOCSU and the optical sector
“Adding her voice to the LOCSU team means that we can hone our message to commissioners that community optical practices can help streamline eye health services for the patient and make them more cost-effective for the NHS,” he added.
Image credit: LOCSU
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