Notice of Glaucoma Referral Refinement Scheme - 17/03/2017

To: All Optical Contractors and Performers South East Staffs & Seisdon CCG areas

As you may be aware, Primary Eyecare (Shropshire & Staffordshire) Ltd (SAS PEC) have been in talks with South East Staffs & Seisdon CCG regarding the commissioning of a Glaucoma Referral Refinement scheme.  I am pleased to advise you that we have now received agreement for this service which SASPEC hopes will launch in May.

The Glaucoma Referral Refinement scheme consists of:

Test A – these are patients who have been found during the sight test to have IOP >21mmHg in the absence of any confirmed signs of Glaucoma. When dealing with your own patient GAT should be performed immediately after the sight test.  Please note that GAT tonometry is the preferred gold standard to deliver this service but Perkins Tonometry is also accepted.

Test B – if after Test A IOP is found to be 22-25mmHg then the patient must be seen within 3 weeks of Test A when you will perform Test B, then perform the following tests:

1)      Repeat GAT

2)      Repeat Fields (minimum 60 point central threshold test)

3)      Dilation of pupils and Volk optic disc assessment (document with photography)

4)      Van Herick test (anterior angle assessment)

All optometrists practising in these area are warmly invited to take part in the scheme. In order to participate, if you have not done so already, you will be required to complete the WOPEC Glaucoma Part A (distance learning exercises) and Part B (OSCEs/Practical Assessment) training and accreditation.   In addition, you will be required to complete the DOCET level 2 Safeguarding Adults and Children’s certificates.  Finally all practices will be required to complete Quality in Optometry (Qi0) and NHS Standard Contract Checklist.  SASPEC has been advised by LOCSU that contracting practices who have already completed the checklists will be required to complete the new QI0 checklist, but much of the new checklist will simply require you to replicate the work completed in your previous checklist submissions.

If you would like to participate in the scheme and have not already taken the Glaucoma training please contact Alison Lowell on 01785 887937 who will be able to provide you with a code to access the WOPEC training.

We are now inviting expressions of interest from practices who wish to become part of this exciting opportunity.  Could you please provide this to Alison Lowell at admin@staffsloc.co.uk by no later than Wednesday 22^nd March 2017.

Thank you for your interest and support.

Mark McCracken

Clinical Governance and Performance Lead (Acute/MECS) - Primary Eyecare (Shropshire & Staffordshire) Ltd