A Linlithgow optometrist has been selected to deliver an NHS healthcare policy which will see people with glaucoma able to access support within the community, rather than travel to hospital.
Diana Kelly store director at Specsavers in Linlithgow, is one of 30 optometrists selected from across Scotland in the latest cohort to deliver NHS Scotland’s new Community Glaucoma Service.
The scheme will see people with lower risk glaucoma or treated ocular hypertension able to access treatment within community optometry practices rather than in hospital, in a bid to reduce pressure on NHS services.
It’s hoped the first patients will begin to receive treatment at Specsavers in Linlithgow early next year, once Diana is fully qualified following 300 hours of training.
She commented: "I am very pleased to have been selected to deliver this flagship eyecare policy to patients in our community. This scheme will be of huge benefit to hundreds of people across Linlithgow, allowing faster and easier access to treatments and check-ups – especially for those who struggle to travel to and from hospital."
The service is currently being rolled out in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and is expected to support around 20,000 patients across Scotland over the next two years.
Public health minister, Jenni Minto, added: "Scotland is regarded as a world leader in community eye care service provision.
"We are the only country in the UK to provide free universal NHS-funded eye examinations, and our investment in community optometry services has helped reduce the burden on GPs and secondary care services.
"I am very pleased to celebrate the launch of this new flagship NHS Community Glaucoma Service in Glasgow and look forward to seeing more patients across the country benefiting from the rollout."
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