LOCSU has started to publish refreshed pathway diagrams and documents which will culminate with the publication of a comprehensive overarching framework document describing a primary eye care pathway with all clinical pathways interconnecting. This will reinforce the role of optical practices in delivering eye health services in the community beyond the basic sight test.
With highly-skilled staff and specialist equipment, the local optical practice is the natural place to identify and manage a wide range of eye conditions, providing first contact care for the patient in the eye health sector. Our clinical expertise also allows for the monitoring of conditions with a low-risk of progression.
This objective fits completely with the aims of the recently published NHS Long-term plan, promoting a whole system approach to service delivery and pathway redesign.
So far – as part of the comprehensive Clinical Service Pathways Framework – LOCSU’s published pathways include:
- Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS)
- Glaucoma Referral Filtering and Monitoring
- Cataract (pre/post-operative)
- Medical Retina Monitoring (Hydroxychloroquine)
Other pathways will be published over the summer. They include:
- Children’s Vision
- Low Vision
- Enhanced services for people with Learning Disabilities and Dementia
- AMD – Referral Filtering and Late AMD Monitoring
LOCs can access the framework diagrams, guidelines and support documents by logging in to the members area of the LOCSU website.