The NHS has published new clinical guidance which could reduce waiting times for eye care services for patients in England.
As part of a wide-ranging list of evidence-based interventions designed to improve the quality of care, the guidance proposes patients get access to more sophisticated diagnostic imaging before they are referred to a consultant.
As well as reducing a patient’s anxiety while waiting for a hospital appointment, it will also ease pressure on ophthalmology services and free up vital clinical time by prioritising those who really need to be seen by a specialist.
And by implementing the new way of testing in eye care services, there will be fewer unnecessary referrals, which is better for patients but will also save taxpayers’ money.
Ophthalmology is currently the busiest outpatient speciality in secondary care and makes up almost 10% of the entire waiting list.
Improvements will also be made for patients with suspected glaucoma and cataracts, ensuring more accurate testing is available and that patients are more involved in the decisions about which treatment is best for them.
These measures are part of a suite of 10 being introduced by medical experts, clinical commissioners and patients on the evidence-based interventions programme which recommends changes to the way tests, treatments and procedures are carried out based on the latest medical evidence.
Other recommendations include improvements to the way transient ischemic attacks or ‘mini-strokes’ are treated and the circumstances in which breast implants are removed. It also recommends reducing angioplasty for stable angina and expanding the use of MRI scanners in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.
NHS medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: “Medicine and technology is constantly evolving and it is right that the NHS uses the latest clinical evidence to ensure options on the table for patients are as up to date as possible while also maximising efficiencies for the taxpayer.
“We expect these changes will prevent thousands of unnecessary referrals to ophthalmology services – giving back patients and staff alike their valuable time – as well as updating guidance for a range of other services to ensure the most effective and efficient treatment is being used for patients.”
