Call for joined up care

A national eye care campaign has called on the newly appointed national clinical director for eye care, Louisa Wickham, to implement a national strategy to address NHS backlogs.

The Eyes Have It partnership wanted more joined up care to ensure patients do not lose their sight due to delays in diagnosis and follow-up care after referral.

Speaking on behalf of the campaign, Stephen Scowcroft, director of services at the Macular Society, said: ‘We believe a clinically-led national eye care strategy that prioritises maximising capacity in NHS eye care services is needed to better support people experiencing sight loss.

‘Taking action to maximise capacity in eye care services is vital for ensuring patients are seen in the right place and at the right time, whilst also supporting the ophthalmology and optometry workforce.’