Today, the new Greater Manchester Eye Care Navigation Service launched, making it easier and quicker for people to be referred to the right eye care services.
Commissioned by Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board (GM ICB) and provided by Primary Eyecare Services, this service will act as a single point of access for all non-emergency ophthalmology referrals from local optometry practices across the region.
Routine and urgent referrals will be handled through this new service. This marks a significant shift in how patients are directed to care, ensuring they are seen by the right professional, in the right setting, at the right time.
This service puts power in patients’ hands, offering an increased in choice of care and better information to help guide their choices.
The service offers faster and more convenient access to eye care. Referrals are reviewed within 24-48 hours, helping patients get timely diagnosis and treatment. By using local optician services where possible, patients can avoid long travel times, save money and reduce disruption to their daily lives.
There’s also a digital portal and a support helpline staffed by a dedicated team, to help patients choose providers based on location, waiting times and quality ratings, making the process more personal and informed.
For the NHS, the service helps ease pressure on hospital eye services by redirecting suitable cases to community care. It improves how resources are used and strengthens communication between primary and secondary care.
All referrals are handled electronically, speeding things up and helping prioritise cases. As well, seeing patients locally can cut carbon emissions by 49%, supporting the NHS’s sustainability goals.
Commissioners benefit from detailed data and insights to improve services. The system provides reports on performance, health inequalities and referral trends, making it easier to plan and manage demand.
By guiding patients to the right service, the model saves money and helps balance demand. It also supports personalised care by giving patients more choice and ensuring referrals are based on clinical need.
This launch is the result of close collaboration between GM ICB, Primary Eyecare Services, hospital providers and the Local Optical Committees. It builds on successful implementations in other regions, where 34,000 referrals have been analysed with almost 22% of referrals safely diverted to primary and community eye care services.
