Integrated care systems: what they mean for optometrists
31 October 2022
Acuity digital
Integrated care systems became legal entities in England in July 2022. Kathy Oxtoby looks at how these changes will affect the profession.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on the UK population’s eye health and on eye health services. In 2020, 4.3 million fewer people had an eye examination compared with 2019 – a 23% decline. Referrals to the hospital eye service dropped by 316,000 in March to December 2020 – a 28% decrease from the same period in 2019 (Specsavers, 2021).
Researchers also found the backlog of services was likely to result in significant costs for people with sight-threatening conditions, who – while they are waiting to be seen – live with a greater risk of falls and fear of further vision loss, and experience productivity losses and reduced quality of life (Specsavers, 2021).
However, changes in how the NHS commissions its services and where it treats patients may help tackle some of these backlogs in the future.
Not already a member of the College?
Start enjoying the benefits of College membership today. Take a look at what the College can offer you and view our membership categories and rates.
Related further reading
These temporary guidelines have been written to help optometrists who are conducting remote telephone/video consultations with patients.
The College issues advice following the Prime Minister's announced that the UK would return to COVID Alert Level 4.
We believe that vaccine uptake will be maximised when staff are supported to make their own decisions, having been provided with clear, evidence-based information on the benefit and value of vaccinations.