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Primary Eyecare Services at NHS Confed Expo

Image showing the Primary Eyecare Services’ team with members of third-sector organisations at their stand in the exhibition hall.

4 July 2024

Members of the Primary Eyecare Services team were thrilled to attend the NHS Confed Expo 2024.

Organised by the NHS Confederation and NHS England, this event took place at Manchester Central, bringing together healthcare professionals to explore the current challenges and opportunities within the NHS.

Our Chief Executive Officer, Dharmesh Patel and Clinical Director, Wendy Craven, hosted a Commissioning of Optometry for Better Outcomes session, which received an excellent turnout and engagement from attendees.

The session involved discussions on how optometry, supported by digital enablers such as telemedicine, plays a vital role in the healthcare system.

There was a focus on the importance of communication between optometrists, GPs and patients, which is essential for integrated and efficient eye care.

Clinical Director, Wendy Craven’s presentation focused on the Community Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES) which is currently being delivered via Primary Eyecare Services in 11 ICB areas, referencing how the service can expand into further areas.

Louisa Wickham, National Clinical Director of Eye Care, highlighted the issue of under utilisation of primary care in eye health.

 

Image showing Louisa Wickham, National Clinical Director for NHS England, Paula Cowan, North-West Medical Director, Primary Eyecare Services’ CEO, Dharmesh Patel and Primary Eyecare Services’ Clinical Director, Wendy Craven at the NHS Confederation ‘Improving Outcomes’ Theatre.

Image showing Louisa Wickham, National Clinical Director for NHS England, Paula Cowan, North-West Medical Director, Primary Eyecare Services’ CEO, Dharmesh Patel and Primary Eyecare Services’ Clinical Director, Wendy Craven at the NHS Confederation ‘Improving Outcomes’ Theatre.

Emphasising the need to leverage optometrists more effectively as the initial contact for eye-related concerns, easing the burden on GP and hospital services, she questioned: “Why aren’t optometrists the first point of call if people have a problem with their eyes?”

Engaging with third sector organisations such as Thomas Pocklington Trust, the RNIB, SeeAbility and Sight Loss Councils gave us insight into how user experiences of our services can be improved for those with a visual impairment.

These discussions have highlighted areas where services can be enhanced to better meet the needs of visually impaired individuals, ensuring more accessible and effective eye care.

Primary Eyecare Services’ Chief Executive Officer, Dharmesh Patel, said “hearing perspectives from individuals with a visual impairment around how accessibility can be improved has been a vital take away from the day, which we will ensure to implement in our practices going forward.”

Attending the NHS Confed Expo provided an invaluable opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with others working across the NHS, allowing us to explore greater utilisation of optometry.

Whilst optometry can often be forgotten when addressing primary care, it was great to see this recognised by healthcare professionals, who acknowledged that optometry plays a crucial role in the system and its importance in alleviating pressures from secondary care and GPs.

To find out more about our services, visit our Services page.