LOCSU has welcomed the news that clinical chairs have been appointed by almost all NHS England area teams, adding that the milestone would give the development of local eye health networks (LEHNs) a boost.
Managing director of LOCSU Katrina Venerus said that the appointments, combined with a Call to Action for eye health, to be published in May, created ‘critical mass’ for the profession, giving it real influence in shaping health provision. ‘It’s great news for the eye health sector that NHS England continues to back LEHNs and also that it has established plans for a specific Call to Action for eye health to follow on from the general practice, pharmacy and dentistry intiatives,’ she said,
Speaking after the third national assembly of local professional networks in Manchester, hosted by NHS England last month, Venerus said it was encouraging the body was giving equal prominence to eye health among the rest of primary care.
Deacon Harle, chairman of the NHS Kent and Medway LEHN, said there was undoubtedly enthusiasm and drive to improve eye health. ‘And while there is clearly a lot of work to be done, I would urge professionals to get involved in their LEHN’ he said, adding that as well as optometrists, ophthalmologists, DOs, those from third sector and social care sector should all play their part.’