Community Optometry Explained

Primary Care Knowledge Boost

Doctors Lisa and Sara talk to Optometrist Dharmesh Patel to get an understanding of Optometry as part of the Primary Care Team. We discuss how the service is set up, what can be done at the Opticians, different types of patient access and how GP practices can link in with services. We discuss the Community Urgent Eye Care Service (CUES), Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) and Community Eye Care Service (CECS).

We take a few examples of cases to illustrate options for accessing services in Greater Manchester. Check out the links in the resources section for more about these services.

You can use these podcasts as part of your CPD - we don’t do certificates but they still count :)

Useful resources:

• Generic Introduction to Optometry and Opticians in the UK for Patients: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/visiting-an-optician/
• Criteria for Free NHS eye checks: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/free-nhs-eye-tests-and-optical-vouchers/
• Easy Eyecare Pathway Pathway to support patients with Disabilities and Autism: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/eye-care-and-people-with-learning-disabilities/eye-care-case-study-community-eye-care-pathway
• Primary Eyecare Services including finding nearest practices with Community Urgent Eye Care Service (CUES), Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) or Community Eye Care Service (CECS): https://primaryeyecare.co.uk/find-a-practice/

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This podcast has been made with the support of GP Excellence and Wigan CCG. Given that it is recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions.

The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.

Dr Lisa Adams, Dr Sara MacDermott and their interviewees are not liable for any advice, investigations, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products listeners might pursue as a result of listening to this podcast - it is the clinicians responsibility to appraise the information given and review local and national guidelines before making treatment decisions. Reliance on information provided in this podcast is solely at the listeners risk.

The podcast is designed to be used by trained healthcare professionals for education only. We do not recommend these for patients or the general public and they are not to be used as a method of diagnosis, opinion, treatment or medical advice for the general public. Do not delay seeking medical advice based on the information contained in this podcast. If you have questions regarding your health or feel you may have a medical condition then promptly seek the opinion of a trained healthcare professional.