Time for action to end glaucoma care postcode lottery

As World Glaucoma Week (8-14 March) highlights the urgent need for action, eye health experts at Milton Keynes Specsavers are joining the call for Parliament to improve access to community glaucoma care, delivered by expert opticians.

Optometrist-turned-MP Shockat Adam is championing proposed legislation that would see a nationally commissioned community glaucoma service in England delivered by expert local opticians.

‘Glaucoma is a leading cause of preventable sight loss in the UK, but is known as the ‘silent thief of sight’ because patients may not detect symptoms despite the disease progressing,’ says Shreya Rajani, director of Milton Keynes Specsavers.

‘Regular eye tests are vital, as the condition can be picked up by expert opticians. For those who have the condition, regular monitoring can help avoid preventable sight loss.

'As the local store director of Specsavers Milton Keynes, I therefore would support a nationally commissioned community NHS glaucoma service in England to improve access to care.’

Shreya adds: ‘Specsavers is proud to be eye health experts able to monitor and manage stable glaucoma patients safely in the community, working alongside ophthalmology colleagues.

‘At present, there is no NHS community glaucoma service in this area. This inconsistency means some people receive timely support in other areas, while others are left waiting - risking avoidable sight loss.'

This would also help ease the pressure on local NHS hospitals and help address patient need with glaucoma cases forecast to rise in the coming years, says Shreya. ‘We can improve access to glaucoma care and ensure no one is left behind because of where they live.'