27.02.13
Commissioning guidance for eyecare published
New guidance has been developed for commissioning of glaucoma by the College of Optometrists and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.
The guidance shows how simple steps such as maintaining a register of people at risk of glaucoma could lead to major improvements in the quality of care available.
It was developed with support from the National Association of Primary Care, the RCGP and the DH’s Right Care team.
Dr Charles Alessi, senior adviser to Public Health England and chairman of the NAPC and NHS Clinical Commissioners, said: “These new recommendations should be the first port of call for clinical commissioners who want to make the most of the great opportunities to improve eye care across the country. The NHS spends over £2bn on eyecare in England alone, and this practical guidance brings together the most up-to-date evidence and insight about how to organise services as effectively and efficiently as we can.”
Richard Smith of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists said: “Glaucoma affects half a million people in the UK who need lifelong support to save their sight. Detecting the disease and helping people to manage it over many years is a huge challenge. This guidance shows how relatively simple steps like maintaining a register of people with or at risk of glaucoma can lead to major improvements in the quality of care.”
Dr Cindy Tromans, chair of the College of Optometrists, added: “People with eye conditions need a range of services in hospitals and in the community. It is impossible to integrate that care unless all the professions involved in delivering it work together. Working so closely with ophthalmologists, GPs and commissioners on this guidance was extremely rewarding and I would urge our colleagues to do the same at local level to see how our advice can help them improve eye care for their patients.”
In the coming months, the Colleges will publish their recommendations on improving services for: age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, low vision, oculoplastics and urgent eye care.
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