Optimising ophthalmology referrals: Benefits of shifting care from hospital to community through Eye Care Navigation Services

This evaluation explores the impact of Eye Care Navigation in improving referral management and shifting care closer to home. Across five areas in England, over 33,900 ophthalmology referrals were triaged, with 21.7% redirected to community optometry services and further proportion safely managed without hospital referral. The findings also highlight environmental and system benefits, including reduced hospital demand and improved patient access, with local analysis showing 7,090 km of travel saved and a meaningful reduction in carbon emissions. Overall, the results demonstrate how community-based triage can support more efficient, accessible and sustainable eye care services.