Thousands of patients in remote parts of the country are set to benefit from a pioneering new technology that can diagnose complex eye conditions and could cut waiting lists.
The ‘revolutionary’ diagnostic tool, which can identify conditions such as cataracts, can be performed remotely meaning that patients receive consistently high-quality care no matter where they live.
The technology, called Aetheia, is being deployed by SpaMedica, one of the UK’s leading independent providers of NHS ophthalmology services, which runs 68 hospitals across the country.
It offers high-resolution eye exams that can be performed and securely streamed in real time to the optometrist, who then completes a clinical assessment remotely.
Naomi Maunder, a hospital optometrist at one of SpaMedica’s NHS facilities said: ‘It’s a game-changing innovation which brings the professional to the patient – and potentially revolutionary, particularly for urgent eye care.’
Currently nearly 600,000 people are waiting for specialist eye care on the NHS with a third waiting longer than the 18-week target time.
One of the most common procedures is cataracts surgery with about 700,000 people in the UK living with the problem.
Clinicians say the technology has already helped reduce waiting lists for this procedure.
Side view of a doctor examining patient’s eye during surgery
Currently nearly 600,000 people are waiting for specialist eye care on the NHS with a third waiting longer than the 18-week target time (file photo)
The national roll-out follows a pilot of 100 clinics and feedback from more than 2,000 patients.
The research found that the remote-led assessments resulted in fewer cancelled clinics, shorter waiting times and fewer unnecessary journeys for patients.
The diagnostic tool also allows for out-of-hours care to be provided.
Helen Kitchen, SpaMedica’s regional team lead optometrist, said: ‘Aetheia has helped massively with patient care.
‘When it is difficult to find cover for clinics, it has allowed me to assess and list patients for cataract surgery in the south while I have been located in the north.
‘This helps to keep waiting times down and gives the patients easy, quick access to vital treatment.’
