An initiative to boost knowledge of eye conditions among GPs and improve referral pathways has won further support.
Medical students were receiving ‘very little’ training in eye conditions resulting in a knowledge gap, according to Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) clinical champion Dr Waqaar Shah.
Dr Shah said optical practices were an important part of the referral pathway to ensure patients receive quick and effective treatment.
He told Optician: ‘One of the key aims of the RCGP clinical priority project is to ensure GPs are clear about where they should refer patients with eye problems so that patients can receive the treatment and support they need in a timely way.
‘Currently, medical students receive very little training and information on eye conditions as part of their degrees, with only about two weeks on ophthalmology throughout their entire course. As there is such minimal training, the RCGP clinical priority project is vital in addressing this knowledge gap. It allows GPs to continue their professional development and knowledge of specific eye conditions and the issues around sight loss, after they have qualified.’
The awareness project, launched by the RCGP with UK Vision Strategy earlier this year (News 03.10.14), was setting out to address the gap with training resources, webinars and events for GPs and practice staff. It will run until March 2016 with a focus on older people with sight loss and how to make practices more accessible.
Healthcare provider Simplyhealth has this week backed the initiative, with funding towards the education project.
Dr Shah added: ‘We are delighted that Simplyhealth have kindly given their support to the Clinical Priority for Eye Health Project to make this possible as it will enable us to deliver significant improvements in preventing avoidable blindness and improving the quality of life for patients with sight loss.’
RCGP research in October found two thirds of GPs were not confident in spotting the symptoms of age-related macular degeneration, while only half were confident in recognising diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.