Glaucoma service trialled at Welsh opticians

A pilot glaucoma service has been trialled at Specsavers in Merthyr Tydfil to make it easier and more convenient for NHS glaucoma patients to be monitored.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said the primary care-based assessment service was the first of its kind in the UK.

Andrew Feyi-Waboso, project lead and locum ophthalmic consultant, said: ‘The feedback from patients is very positive. The service uses the capacity and skills of local optometrists in the community to relieve the burden on secondary care, with modern electronic sharing of patient information with secondary care providing them with seamless, timely, high quality eye care.’

Results from patient assessments at Specsavers were shared with the health board’s consultant-led ophthalmology service for review in real time. If any deterioration was identified a referral was made and if not, the patient continued to be regularly reviewed locally.