Opticians to Undertake More Services

Opticians will now be able to offer supplementary eye examinations, as Manx Care looks to improve access to services.

Historically, Opticians have been able to provide NHS sight tests and supply glasses, whilst for all other conditions, individuals would usually be referred to the hospital service or may be offered private pathways.

This has also meant that patients have been required to attend other services for support with eye-related issues, such as their GP or the Emergency Department.

Manx Care said: “It is recognised that for any problem with a person’s eyes or sight, the best and most convenient help would be, in the first instance, from an Optician.”

Contact

Optician will now offer services for the below conditions, which Manx Care says will make them your first contact when you have an eye care issue or problem:

Primary Eye Examination (sight test) – the same applies as it does now for interval/recall periods.

Supplementary eye examination – these are the extra services, including Cycloplegic Refractions, Paediatric Reviews, follow-up/repeat procedures (in some cases patients will see their follow-up appointments continue in the community rather than in the hospital setting, where appropriate).

Glaucoma Reviews and ocular hypertension, anterior eye conditions, unscheduled appointments/urgent care (including gradual loss of vision, sudden onset of blurred vision, eye pain, flashes/floaters and eye infections), post-operative cataract examinations and cataract referral advice and counselling.

Piloted

Manx Care added: “A Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) has been piloted at Specsavers in recent years on behalf of Manx Care. This service was originally set up to give patients another option rather than attending their GP practice for eye conditions.

“With all Opticians now able to provide a wider service, MECS will be superseded by the changes being introduced.

“For serious eye complaints including severe pain requiring immediate attention, suspected retinal detachment and sudden loss of vision, or a dramatic reduction in vision in one eye, patients should still attend the ED at Noble’s Hospital.”

By introducing these changes, it is hoped that more patients can be seen at the right time, by the right clinician and as conveniently as possible.