New GIRFT glaucoma guidance – opportunities for improvement through primary eye care services
Primary eye care organisations have welcomed the publication of NHS England's Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Best Practice Guidance for Glaucoma Services.
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“The College of Optometrists has long advocated for the greater integration of primary and secondary care in managing glaucoma. This GIRFT guidance reflects the clinical evidence and supports the kind of multidisciplinary, community-based care that can genuinely reduce the burden of preventable sight loss. We are committed to supporting optometrists to implement these recommendations safely and effectively.”
Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom, The College of Optometrists
“This guidance gives the primary care sector a clear and credible framework to build on. Local Optical Committees and their support networks stand ready to work with commissioners and NHS England to ensure that the pathway improvements it recommends can be funded and embedded in communities across England. Optometrists and their practice teams are already delivering accessible glaucoma care, this guidance recognises that and gives us the tools to go further.”
Zoe Richmond MCOptom, Spokesperson, LOCSU
“Optometrists in primary care are uniquely placed to support early detection and ongoing monitoring of glaucoma patients. The AOP welcomes this guidance as recognition of that role and of the importance of ensuring that primary care is appropriately resourced and supported to deliver it. We look forward to working with ICBs and our partners to make the vision set out in this document a reality for patients.”
Dr Peter Hampson MCOptom, Clinical Director, Association of Optometrists (AOP)
“FODO members are the leading providers of primary eye care, meeting the needs of millions of patients each year. This new guidance should help more patients access care closer to home, and most importantly prevent avoidable sight loss due to delays in the hospital eye care service. We will work with our members and sector partners to translate this GIRFT guidance into meaningful new services and patient benefits."
Kirsten Ross MCOptom, clinical optometry officer, FODO
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"ABDO welcomes the GIRFT glaucoma guidance and its recognition that safe, effective glaucoma care depends on integrated, multidisciplinary working across the eye care pathway. Dispensing opticians have an important role within primary eye care teams, supporting patients with glaucoma through accessible advice, effective communication, appropriate signposting and support with treatment, vision needs and adherence."
Max Halford ABDO Clinical and Policy Director