Integrated approach needed for eye care

Health boards must deliver on commissioning eye care effectively or risk losing contracts, an ophthalmology event has heard.

The second Excellence in Ophthalmology Congress was held in Birmingham last weekend. Over 200 delegates representing a wide range of professional disciplines gathered for a day of lectures and workshops aimed at all professionals involved in eye care.

The first session centred on the commissioning process. Optometrist and programme director for UK Vision Strategy Anita Lightstone emphasised the challenges facing the eye care community, with predictions suggesting that 6 per cent of the population would experience sight loss by 2050.

To address this demand an integrated approach from all involved in eye care was essential, she added.