L-R: Prof Barbara Ryan, First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford, Prof Ian Weeks and Prof John Wild
First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford visited Cardiff University’s eye care centre to see the collaboration between the school of optometry and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (CVUHB).
He held discussions with heads of the department, including Professor John Wild, Prof Barbara Ryan and Prof Ian Weeks, as well as representatives from CVUHB.
Prof Wild, head of the school of optometry and vision sciences at Cardiff University, said: ‘The university is delighted to have the continued support of the First Minister; working with the Welsh Government to improve eye healthcare services, reduce hospital waiting times and solidify Cardiff University as a leader of optometric education and research in Wales, the UK and internationally.’
The First Minister also spoke to a patient who received treatment at the clinic and to optometrists about how their higher qualifications will be used to deliver care in the community.
During a tour of the facility, Drakeford saw a demonstration of imaging technology used and learned how the centre reduced hospital waiting times.
Rachel Thomas, director of operations for surgery clinical board at CVUHB, said the collaboration between the university and CVUHB will be further enhanced as Welsh Government policy development and reform is embedded.
‘This will improve the training and skills of our optometrists to provide access to eye health services, enabling patients to access eye care services delivered by the right professional, in the right place across the entire eye care pathway of primary care optometry and specialists hospital eye care services,’ she said.