A new digital eye screening initiative by the NHS could prevent sight loss and save up to 120,000 hospital appointments annually, according to NHS England. The program will provide advanced optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans to people with diabetes outside traditional hospital settings, such as larger GP practices, community hospitals, or mobile units across the UK.
The widespread adoption of OCT technology aims to alleviate the growing pressure on ophthalmology services, which currently account for nearly 10% of the NHS waiting list. These scans create detailed 3D images of the eye, allowing for the detection of early signs of diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can lead to blindness if left untreated.
Steve Russell, NHS National Director for Vaccinations and Screening, highlighted the significance of the rollout:
“It’s fantastic news that these advanced eye scans will be available closer to home for thousands of people with diabetes across the country. This technology will help us find and treat diabetic eye conditions early, helping minimise and prevent sight loss. It also means thousands of hospital appointments can be saved, which is great news for the NHS.”
Diabetic retinopathy, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the retina, poses a significant risk to people with diabetes. Around four million individuals are registered with the NHS diabetic eye screening program, with 3.3 million receiving routine digital screenings every one to two years. The new scheme will specifically target 60,000 people already showing signs of eye disease, prioritizing those at higher risk.
Historically, less than one-third of NHS eye care services utilized OCT technology. However, by October 2024, the NHS aims for all such services to adopt the advanced scans. Unlike standard photographic imaging, OCT detects subtle changes in the eye and provides more precise diagnostic results, enhancing early intervention opportunities.
Care Minister Stephen Kinnock praised the initiative as a step toward more community-focused healthcare:
“This is a great example of a small change that can make a big difference, giving diabetes patients more reassurance and freeing up thousands of hospital appointments. Through our 10-Year Health Plan, we will shift care out of hospitals and into the community, easing pressure on our A&Es and enabling patients to get help closer to home. These fundamental reforms will help build an NHS that is fit for the future and delivering for all patients.”
By decentralizing eye care and leveraging cutting-edge technology, the NHS aims to enhance patient outcomes while reducing strain on hospital services, marking a significant step forward in diabetic care.
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