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First minister supports Optometry Wales contract

First minister of Wales Mark Drakeford (pictured right) recently visited Monmouth-based Monnow Eyecare to see first-hand how the multi-million pound Optometry Wales contract, initiated on October 20, was benefitting local communities.

Helen Tilley, director and senior independent prescriber optometrist at Monnow Eyecare, said she was ‘thrilled’ to have the support of the Welsh government to enhance eyecare services in Wales.

‘This investment will enable us to expand our capabilities and provide even more comprehensive care to our community,’ she said.

Tilley, who also chairs the Welsh Optometric Committee, added that the investment was enabling the independent to monitor glaucoma and ocular hypertension in the community, triage glaucoma referrals and receive emergency eyecare referrals.

The Hakim Group independent has run a glaucoma ophthalmic diagnostic treatment centre for more than six years with patient numbers increasing from 20 to 100 a month.

It also ran an emergency NHS support service during the pandemic, treating patients in the community and keeping hospital spaces available for the most serious cases.