Patients back Mecs in College of Optometrists survey

Minor eye care conditions schemes (Mecs) would be recommended by 99% of patients, according to a new study published by BMJ Open.

Funded by the College of Optometrists, the research looked at the views of patients, community optometrists, GPs, commissioners and ophthalmologists on enhanced eye care services.

Mecs in the London boroughs of Lambeth and Lewisham and a glaucoma referral refinement scheme (GRRS) in Manchester were examined, with patients, ophthalmologists and commissioners all praising the services.

Director of research at the College of Optometrists Mike Bowen said: ‘This research provides important evidence on the viability and effectiveness of these schemes. These findings are especially important because this is the first multi-stakeholder study of enhanced eye care services to include the views of patients and commissioners.’