Specsavers in Newport has announced becoming one of three high street opticians in Gwent to provide a glaucoma community service commissioned by the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.
Thousands of Gwent residents at risk of developing glaucoma can access eye care at the Specsavers practice, Julian Davies Opticians in Newport or at Phillips Opticians in Torfaen, after the contract was announced by the health board this week.
The glaucoma scheme has been running in pilot since 2014, including glaucoma assessment via virtual links to the consultant-led clinics where they are reviewed by a consultant ophthalmologist.
Des O’Duffy, a consultant ophthalmologist at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, said: ‘As a response to a significant number of delayed hospital appointments associated with glaucoma, we commissioned this new service.
‘By having expert staff working from high street opticians, we are able to offer care closer to people’s homes, improving their experience and reducing waiting times. It is wonderful for our patients that they are being seen in a timely fashion and issues are identified and managed appropriately.’
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is expecting to refer more than 4,000 patients to the new community eye centres per year, a statement said.
Specsavers co-founder Doug Perkins said: ‘This is exactly the kind of enhanced optical service that we should seek to be involved in as optometrists, using our skills to the benefit of patients and enhancing the interface between primary and secondary care.
‘I am delighted that Specsavers is part of setting up this pioneering scheme.’