Enhancing care in the community

Teams in Wolverhampton are improving patient care across the region by supporting community Optometrists through specialist training sessions.

First introduced 11 years ago, the vitreoretinal (VR) education workshops help community Optometrists develop advanced clinical skills to recognise serious eye conditions and make appropriate referrals.

This helps reduce the number of patients who require acute care at New Cross Hospital.

Kam Balaggan, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon with Specialist Interests in Vitreoretinal Surgery at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, and Peter Rocket, practice director at Flint Optometry, and Chair of the Wolverhampton Local Optical Committee, pioneered the project as a model at a national level.

This was subsequently adapted by the College of Optometrists and resulted in some of their most successful patient workshops at their National Conferences.

The programme, run by The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, offers hands-on training supported by patient assessments, providing valuable experience in identifying complex retinal conditions. The latest session was attended by 19 Wolverhampton Optometrists.

Mr Balaggan said: “By equipping community colleagues with enhanced clinical knowledge, practical experience and the latest guidance, the Ophthalmology Department is helping to ensure more patients receive timely, effective care closer to home.

“Earlier recognition of serious vitreoretinal conditions in primary care supports faster access to specialist treatment when needed, improving patient outcomes and the overall patient experience.

“This collaborative approach also helps reduce pressure on hospital eye services by enabling appropriate assessment and management within the community, creating a more integrated care pathway across the NHS.

“The workshops are part of the department’s wider commitment to professional development and partnership working, bringing together hospital specialists and community optometrists to share expertise, discuss best practice and strengthen clinical networks.”