1. Improving Accessibility for Eye Care in Cwm Taf
Craige Wilson
Assistant Director Primary Care, Childrens and Community Services

2. Emergency Eye Care
Every Optometric Practice in Cwm has a WECS accredited practitioner
Optometric Advisor met with GP Clusters to promote EHEW service
Optometric Advisor to provide training to GP practice staff
Emergency Eye Care Referrals to Optometrists increase by 23% in 2016/17

3. Post Operative Cataracts
Post operative pathway to Community Optometrists agreed with Consultants
Changed hospital theatre system – discharge to Community now the default position
Increase in number of patients discharge to community from under 5% in March 2016 to 74% in July 2017
Three sessions of hospital optometrist time released for to support other initiatives

4. Glaucoma ODTCs established in Ysbyty Cwm Rhondda and Ysbyty Cwm Cynon
Hospital optometrist run clinics with medical photography and ophthalmic technician
There is now capacity for approx 1700 patients appointment per annum in the ODTCs
No specialist glaucoma patient waiting past their planned follow appointment date

5. Wet AMD
Keir Hardie Health Park clinic established July 2016 for follow up patients from Merthyr Tydfil and the Cynon Valley
Optometrist led clinic with support from medical photography
Suitable patients are those in the “mature” phase of treatment cycle (no treatment in previous three attendances)
107 patient appointments to date

6. How Achieved?
Active Eye Health Care Group with wide range of representatives
Excellent working relationship with local optometric committee
Appointment of Independent Optometric Advisor
Drive to meet requirements of the Wales Eye Care Plan and Ophthalmology Planned Care Board

7. What Next ?
Shared care protocol for glaucoma patients to be managed in their local optometrist.
Independent prescribing for optometrists.
Promotion of Low Vision Service Wales
Potential development of Health Living Optical Practices