Central Mersey takes the lead

The Central Mersey Local Optical Committee (LOC) has developed an Ophthalmic Enhanced Services shared care scheme with NHS Halton & St Helens Primary Care Trust (PCT) in the wake of the NICE guideline reforms on glaucoma.

The joint venture scheme, developed by LOC chairman Bob Wilkes and secretary Ian White, who worked with the PCT, was launched at the end of September. All local contractors can apply to the PCT for a standard NHS Primary Care Commissioning contract to provide services across three elements: cataract referral glaucoma LOCSU 1a and 1b referral refinement.

White commented: 'Initial positive feedback from local practitioners confirms that hospital referrals have already been reduced due to the sole implementation of this scheme. Furthermore, our optometrists warmly welcome their expanding role in primary care.'