Study highlights benefits of community optometry

A study found that managing eye conditions via enhanced services at optical practices rather than relying solely on hospital eye services could significantly reduce waiting times.

The research highlighted that for suspected neovascular age-related macular degeneration, waiting times were shortened to four-five days, and to five days for glaucoma monitoring.

It was led by Professor Barbara Ryan from Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and Cardiff University, in partnership with Swansea University, the University of South Wales and Sight Cymru.

‘Currently patients are at risk of losing their sight because of delays waiting for hospital eye appointments. These research findings give hope that there is a solution on every local high street,’ Prof Ryan said.