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Eye health
New NHS measures to improve eye care and cut waiting times
The NHS is today publishing new clinical guidance which could reduce waiting times for eye care services for patients in England. As part of a wide-ranging list of evidence-based interventions designed to improve the quality of care, the guidance proposes patients get access to more sophisticated diagnostic imaging before they are referred to a consultant. […]
Babies to get new test for eye cancer in the womb to save their sight
A life-saving test that allows doctors to spot a rare form of eye cancer in babies in the womb is being rolled out by the NHS in England this week. Now, thanks to a new NHS test developed at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, babies identified as being at risk of developing retinoblastoma […]
First patients begin gene therapy treatment for blindness as part of NHS Long Term Plan
The first patients have received a revolutionary new gene therapy that can restore eyesight as part of the NHS Long Term Plan. Babies born with an inherited retinal disorder, known as Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), have poor sight which swiftly deteriorates, with many ultimately losing their vision completely in childhood. The life-changing treatment for children […]
NHS to fund revolutionary treatment for blindness in children
A revolutionary new gene therapy which restores sight will be provided by the NHS, chief executive Simon Stevens has announced today. Babies born with inherited retinal dystrophies disorder have poor sight which swiftly deteriorates, with most losing their vision completely in childhood. Until now no treatment has been available. The life-changing treatment for children and […]
CCGs urged to tackle backlogs at eye health summit
Commissioners must help “radically redesign” eye health services for the benefit of patients, the first-ever NHS eye health summit was told last week. CCGs at the “Demand and Capacity” conference heard that the need for change was now “critical”. Eye health leaders warned that inaction could have far-reaching social and economic consequences. National Head of […]
NHS eye health summit tackles hospital demand
CCGs across England are due to attend the first ever national eye health summit, hosted by NHS England, today. The conference, ‘Immediate solutions to address demand and capacity pressures in the Hospital Eye Service’ will showcase innovative and collaborative service models from around the country. The event exclusively aimed at commissioners brings together leading eye […]
Improving eye health and reducing sight loss, a ‘Call to Action’
Patients, professionals and the public are being invited to have their say by NHS England, in a debate around the provision of eye health services. ‘The NHS belongs to us all: a call to action’ was launched last July and set out the challenges faced by the NHS; those of an ageing population with complex […]
Health minister and health professionals network to learn from sight loss simulator – the Eye Pod
Health Minister Lord Howe and delegates at NHS England’s Local Professional Networks (LPN) Assembly will be invited to visit the Royal National Institute for the Blind’s sight loss simulator, the Eye Pod. The Eye Pod has giant eyes connected to viewers that visitors look through to experience conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts. LPN members, […]