NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde roll out new glaucoma treatment plans
The scheme will see people being treated at local opticians to reduce travel needs and wait times
Community glaucoma treatment services are starting up in Glasgow to treat patients closer to home.
The scheme is being rolled out in local opticians, and will mean patients don't have to travel as far to be seen for essential care.
The scheme could see around twenty thousand patients in Scotland benefit from services being more easily accessed.
Public health minister, Jenni Minto said: “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.”
The new way of treating and caring for patients will also help ease pressure on the NHS as ways to reduce wait times are explored.
The minister went on to add: “reducing waiting times in hospitals is one of the Scottish Government’s key priorities, so this is one of the key ways to ensure that we can get the right treatment in the right place, at the right time, for people in our communities.”
The first opticians to offer the service is Munro Optometrists on the southside of Glasgow.
Practise owner, Frank Munro, said: “this new development demonstrates another positive aspect of joint working across the eyecare sector.
“This policy development comes at a much-needed time with so many people on long waiting lists waiting for appointments.”
The scheme will help older people in particular, who will now have much easier access to care and check ups without having to journey into a hospital.
Mr Munro is looking forward to the benefits it will have: “This innovation demonstrates the proactive, constructive discussions that have taken place and the Scottish Government and Optometry Scotland should be congratulated in bringing the Community Glaucoma Service into effect.
“There is no doubt that this will benefit thousands of patients living with glaucoma across Scotland.”