Optical practices take on new cataract scheme

A new scheme for cataract initial assessment and follow-up appointments at high street optical practices has been granted by NHS Scarborough and Ryedale CCG.

The pre- and post-operative assessments were expected to benefit around 1,000 patients per year.

Dr Peter Billingsley, lead for the project at NHS Scarborough and Ryedale CCG, said: ‘Not only is it far more convenient for patients to visit their local optician as opposed to hospital, but it will also free-up space at the hospital so they are able to focus on providing cataract surgery. We hope this will reduce waiting times for cataract surgery which have historically been far longer than we would expect.’