More NHS eye care to be provided in local communities

From this month, people who have had cataract operations and those with suspected glaucoma will receive follow-up treatment and checks at their local optometrists instead of in hospital, the Welsh Government has announced (Mon 28th March).

The move will ensure people are seen more quickly, closer to their homes and help to ensure that hospital-based ophthalmologists are free to manage those patients with the most complex conditions.

The changes to Eye Health Examination Wales are part of the Welsh Government’s plans to reform Wales’ ophthalmic services to ensure the vast majority of NHS care is planned and provided in local communities, preventing the need for people to travel long distances for routine care.

Optometrists in Wales are extending the NHS services they offer in primary care as part of the Welsh Government’s Together for Health Eye Care Delivery Plan 2013 – 18, which aims to prevent avoidable sight loss, improve eye health, and improve the experiences of patients.

As well as cataract surgery follow-up appointments and glaucoma checks, community-based optometrists will also provide care for people with ocular hypertension.

Deputy Health Minister Vaughan Gething said:

“This is the latest step in our plan to move care for people with a range of eye conditions away from hospital-based services, into the community and closer to people’s homes. We want to make follow-up appointments and ongoing care more convenient for patients so they can access the treatment they need at the time they want.

“This will also mean doctors in hospitals have more time to concentrate on looking after and treating those people who need specialist treatment.”