National Ophthalmology Database receives funding boost

  • 06 Jan 2020
  • RCOphth

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists is delighted to announce that the National Ophthalmology Database Audit (NOD) has received further funding for 2020.

The contribution provided by Bausch + Lomb for the calendar year of 2020, will help ensure the continued aims of the audit to facilitate the highest standards of quality assurance and improvement in patient care and support research.

“We are delighted to continue our support towards the running of the National Ophthalmology Database as collecting data from ophthalmic surgery is vital to developing products and services based on real-world outcomes enabling us to achieve our mission – helping patients see better, to live better.” Adele Brown, Marketing Manager, UK+I, Bausch + Lomb

NOD functions by collating data on cataract surgery undertaken in England and Wales in the NHS and is also expanding to include services in Northern Ireland. NOD is the largest and most data intensive database of cataract surgery, providing unparalleled insight into cataract surgery outcomes and is internationally renowned.

Since its inception, NOD has demonstrated significant clinical and economic benefits, including:

  • A 38% overall reduction in PCR complications since 2010
  • In the 2017-18 only 1.2% of operations were affected by PCR
  • A 37% overall reduction in visual acuity (VA) loss since 2010
  • Reduction in PCR complications since 2010 equates to 3,400 fewer complications annually across the NHS
  • Cost saving from avoided PCR complications of £2 million per annum
  • Close to 100% data completeness for PCR outcomes, currently a compulsory field in Electronic Medical Records

Reacting to the announcement, Mike Burdon, President of RCOphth, said “This investment by Bausch + Lomb demonstrates how partnerships between industry and RCOphth can be crucial in using real world data to make a significant difference to innovation in patient care.

“NOD is at the forefront of reducing cataract surgery complications. Industry partners can use the data to improve their products as well as demonstrate success, resulting in considerable savings for a stretched health service. This further contribution by Bausch + Lomb will improve an already high performing service.”

You can read the College’s NOD Annual Report here.