The transformative role of primary and community optometry in eye care delivery
A first-of-its-kind analysis, a recent report was conducted by PA Consulting and commissioned by Primary Eyecare Services in collaboration with the Association of Optometrists (AOP), Fight for Sight, and Roche. It reveals the often-overlooked clinical and socio-economic benefits of primary eye care and emphasises how this sector can significantly improve public health outcomes in the UK, while saving the NHS approximately £98 million each year.
Unlocking the potential of eye care to transform NHS efficiency
Titled Key Interventions to Transform Eye Care and Eye Health, the report sheds light on the potential of high-street optometry practices to transform the delivery of eye care which represents a timely intervention given the cost pressures integrated care boards (ICBs) continue to face in light of the current financial scrutiny of all services.
The paper outlines strategic interventions designed to enhance eye care services, improve patient outcome and optimise the use of resources within the NHS. It also aligns with the findings of the Darzi report and supports the government’s three key pillars:
- transitioning from hospital to community care
- shifting from sickness to prevention
- moving from analogue to digital healthcare.
The four recommended interventions beyond GOS are as follows:
- National roll out of Community Urgent Eyecare Services (CUES)
- National roll out of the integrated cataract pathway
- National roll out of the integrated glaucoma pathway
- Transforming the potential of OCT in community settings and harnessing its continued technological advance
Key findings from the report
- Economic and operational benefits
The report highlights that the national roll-out of the four proposed interventions could result in approximately £98 million in net direct cost savings to the NHS annually and more importantly reduce NHS appointments by 1.9 million, including reductions in hospital eye services (HES), A&E, and GP appointments. (Recognising that some of these impacts are already being realised where the interventions are already commissioned and being delivered locally.)
- Enhanced patient access and outcomes
The interventions are expected to provide faster, more convenient access to integrated eye care and eye health services for patients, maximising the use of technology and data to improve outcomes.
- Support for national and local implementation
The report emphasises the need for strong national support and local action to realise the benefits of these interventions, including leadership from government and NHS bodies, and collaboration with professional associations and patient groups.
- Addressing workforce challenges
The report identifies significant workforce challenges in hospital eye services, with only 24% of eye units believing they have enough consultants to meet current demand. The proposed interventions aim to relieve pressure on HES and allow clinicians to focus on more complex cases.
Methods used for modelling and benefit assessment
PA Consulting’s analysis used a logic model to quantify service shifts, estimating appointment reductions and translating these into cost savings by comparing community and hospital service costs. After deducting national rollout costs, the net financial benefit was calculated.
Beyond financial savings, these interventions promise qualitative improvements, such as enhanced patient convenience, reduced anxiety from quicker care and improved staff satisfaction via reduced hospital strain and more clinical work undertaken within community settings.
Expanding community eye care to alleviate wider NHS pressures
The growing pressures on the NHS, including long waiting times and increased demand on hospital services, have highlighted the urgent need for innovative solutions in eye care delivery. Primary Eyecare Services is at the forefront of addressing these challenges by leveraging community optometry to provide timely and accessible care. Speaking on the importance of this approach, Dharmesh Patel, chief executive of Primary Eyecare Services, emphasised the transformative potential of expanding eye care services within primary care settings to enhance patient outcomes and support the sustainability of the NHS.
‘This report emphasises the critical need to expand eye care services within primary care optometry settings to alleviate the burden on GPs, A&E and hospital ophthalmology, enhancing patient care and supporting NHS sustainability.
With long waiting times continuing to pose challenges for patients and the NHS, this report highlights interventions based on existing innovative delivery models utilising primary and community optometry practices. Alongside local optical committees and our optometry practice partners, we remain poised to scale up delivery of eye care in the community at a local, regional and national level at pace.’
A vision for sustainable and accessible eye care
In summary, this new report highlights the pivotal role that primary and community optometry have to play in transforming the delivery of eye care services. By embracing innovative models and scaling up community-based solutions, Primary Eyecare Services is not only addressing immediate challenges such as reducing waiting times and alleviating pressure on hospitals but also contributing to the long-term sustainability of the NHS. This approach represents a significant step toward a more efficient, accessible, and patient-centred healthcare system, ensuring that individuals receive the care they need closer to home.
Further information can be found on the Primary Eyecare Services website.