The College is backing new guidance from NHS England’s Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme aimed at reducing the risk of avoidable sight loss through a clinical framework for the delivery of glaucoma care in England. It prioritises early detection, accurate referrals, and lifelong continuity of care.
The GIRFT Best Practice for Glaucoma Services guidance, which is also supported by the College of Optometrists, the Royal National Institute of Blind People, Glaucoma UK, the UK Ophthalmology Alliance and the Independent Healthcare Providers Network, supports the standardisation of local delivery pathways to ensure the risk of irreversible sight loss is minimised for glaucoma patients.
In line with the 10 Year Health Plan, the guidance demonstrates the importance of digitally enabled pathways and provision of care closer to home.
For new patients, this will involve additional testing in the community before they are referred to hospital: to help ensure they need the referral.
For patients needing glaucoma follow up this will mean more efficient services delivered on time: through high-volume virtual pathways, with diagnostics and review being conducted in the hospital and the community, as well as in primary care settings.
For patients who no longer need follow up, they will be more likely to be discharged.
GIRFT is hosting a webinar on Tuesday 30 June (12noon – 1pm) to highlight the details of this new guidance, including the three key areas to help co-ordinate care and reduce delays in follow-up appointments, and how clinicians and organisations can work collaboratively for the benefit of patients. Register here.