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Analysis of UK eye casualty presentations
Jessica C MacIsaac1,2, Shehzad A Naroo1, Nicholas J Rumney1,2
1College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK.
Clinical & Experimental Optometry
|July 28, 2021
Summary
Upskilling optometrists and utilizing community optometric services can significantly reduce hospital eye service burdens. Educating the public on available community eye care options is also crucial for better service accessibility.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Optometry
Background:
- Increasing demand for eye care in the UK due to an aging population and a preference for emergency secondary care.
- Rising hospital eye service attendances necessitate exploring alternative care models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the potential for community optometry to manage cases currently presenting to hospital eye services.
- To evaluate the proportion of patients suitable for management by independent prescribing optometrists and local optometric schemes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 421 first-time patient presentations to an eye casualty department.
- Categorization of patients based on referral source (optometrist, general practitioner, self-referral) and diagnosis.
- Assessment of patient conditions against criteria for community optometry management and independent prescribing.
Main Results:
- 33% of optometrist referrals could have been managed by an independent prescribing optometrist.
- 92% of GP referrals and 83% of self-referrals were suitable for assessment via local optometric schemes.
- 66% of follow-up patients could have been managed within community optometry settings.
Conclusions:
- Commissioned community optometric services are valuable for managing acute ocular symptoms and reducing hospital workload.
- Independent prescribing qualifications for optometrists can further alleviate pressure on emergency eye services.
- Public education on available community optometry services is needed to improve access and reduce inappropriate hospital attendances.
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