Ophthalmology Clinical Network
Clinical Lead: Mr. John-Sebastian Barry (DGFT), Project Manager: Khalida Begum (BCPC)
Through active engagement and an early ‘away day’ in April 2022, the Ophthalmology clinical network identified seven key priorities for progression. Progress has been varied and, on some occasions, challenging due to the complex arrangements that exist for ophthalmology ranging from:
- pre-existing commissioning arrangements stemming from the previous competitive environment which have had an adverse effect on some acute based ophthalmology services (e.g. cataracts)
- a lack of a consistent and agreed strategic vision for Ophthalmology services within the Black Country
- the challenges of engaging a tertiary level service which straddles multiple ICS’s.
Despite these challenges, progress against the seven identified priorities is briefly listed below.
- High-Volume Low-Complexity (HVLC) Cataract Service
- Community Glaucoma Pathway
- Medical Retina Community Pathway Refinement
- Community Diagnostic Hub
- Paediatric Community Optic Nerve Imaging Service
- Black Country EPR Alignment Project
- Ophthalmology Workforce
Looking Ahead
Over the course of 23-24, the Ophthalmology Clinical Network will focus on:
- Delivering on three key priorities:
- Cataracts – Black Country service specification, and HVLC activity delivery
- Medical retina
- Glaucoma
- Develop a clear Black Country Ophthalmology strategy and operational plan to work as a ‘Networked Service Solution.
- Work with partners across both the Black Country and BSOL ICB’s to review and develop an agreed tertiary level Ophthalmology strategy which would make optimal use of BMEC for the wider region.