Optometrists in England work tirelessly to provide NHS sight tests, urgent eye care and specialist services. However, we know that existing services are underfunded. Eye care commissioners could make better use of optometrists’ skills within the large number of high street optical practices to provide care closer to home and help reduce hospital waiting times.
To support treatment closer to home, The College of Optometrists and The Royal College of Ophthalmologists have published an updated joint vision for the continued collaboration of the two professions to support the delivery of safe and sustainable eye care services through integration. It will help commissioners and clinicians design eye care services that ensure patients are prioritised based on their clinical need and receive care that is appropriate and accessible. It champions multidisciplinary eye care professionals working collaboratively in primary care, community, hospital and independent sector provider settings.
We have also highlighted the urgent need to prioritise a better-connected NHS and unlock the potential of new technologies. Upgrading IT infrastructure and improving digital connectivity will lead to more effective communication between healthcare professionals. The adoption of digital image sharing standards will also ensure more efficient patient referrals, and reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment.
We are pleased to see the Westminster government agrees with our priorities and we call on them to deliver these changes as soon as possible to help reduce unnecessary sight loss. Sir Keir said: “Instead of the top-down approach of the past, this plan is going to have the fingerprints of NHS staff and patients all over it."
We look forward to working with Westminster government to ensure primary eye care is built in to the 10 year plan in NHS England.