Derby opticians become Healthy Living Optical Practices

Two Derby based opticians have been launched as Healthy Living Optical Practices.

The scheme was created by the East Midlands Local Eye Health Network with support from NHS England. It is the first of its kind in the area, with another practice in Sutton Ashfield due to open in August.

Participating practices have nominated a staff member to train as a Healthcare Champion so they can offer health and lifestyle advice and support to patients, some of which may have a link to the health of patients’ eyes.

Chair of the Eye Health Network, David Cartwright said: ‘In the long term we hope to extend this service to include other services within the optical practice, such as measuring blood pressure, simple diabetes checks or smoking cessation courses. Ultimately, the optical practices become accessible healthy living hubs for all the community to use.’