A lack of public health data on the prevalence of eye conditions is impacting on commissioners’ ability to adequately plan and meet eye health needs, according to the College of Optometrists.
Despite an increasing amount of clinical data being held electronically in optometric practice systems, the Ophthalmic Public Health Research Project found that data was not organised in a way that can be easily used for research and service planning purposes.
The project was undertaken by the College to collate existing research and improve understanding of ophthalmic public health by optometrists. It was also hoped that the study would help to engage government and policy makers on eye health issues.
Researchers have now recommended a minimum dataset containing standard clinical information that could be used to facilitate analysis of the evidence for public health purposes and identify trends and areas of need in optometric practice.
Mike Bowen, director of research at the College, said: ‘The project has provided an important benchmark about what information is currently available, and allows for more extensive projects, such as the National Eye Health Survey, to provide the additional data needed to understand the nation’s eye health needs.’
