An independent opticians in Monmouth is now part of a scheme to treat glaucoma in their practice, meaning patients no longer have to wait for a hospital appointment.
Monnow Eyecare, on Cinderhill St, is running the clinic in partnership of Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport, providing a hospital-level of care in a more convenient and relaxed environment.
This shared system of collaboration between Royal Gwent Hospital and Monnow Eyecare means that patients can be seen quickly, avoiding the potential delays in their follow-up appointments and providing a more comfortable and available healthcare service for local residents.
Monnow Eyecare’s optometrists have special training in using the equipment and many have specialist glaucoma qualifications, so patients can be offered assessment and treatment faster than waiting for a hospital appointment.
Time is a crucial factor when patients develop glaucoma, as the longer treatment is delayed, the greater the risk of going blind from the condition.
The clinics at Monnow involve ongoing reviews, where eye tests are performed to measure the pressure, corneal thickness and health of the optic nerve head in the eye.
Once the tests are complete the optometrist will share the data with the hospital consultant using a secured electronic system. The patient then has the right treatment for any glaucoma changes within the eyes.
A recent survey carried out by the hospital found that patients rated the overall service at an average of 9.8 out of 10, with many commenting on the convenience of the location and the comfortable environment at Monnow.
Optometrist Helen Tilley said: “Our local practice does all the same tests that are normally carried out at the hospital. The patient data is shared with the hospital consultant so that monitoring for the glaucoma is the same.
“The difference is that most patients find it easier to travel to us and find the practice a more relaxed environment for their medical examination, and more convenient to get an appointment. They even comment on the better coffee!
“We want to make the whole experience less stressful, so I think it’s perfect for people who don’t want to travel to hospital and the anxiety that may come along with that.
“Mainly, this is about making sure the risk to our residents’ eyes is decreased, as they can now access this vital care without the worry of waiting for appointments from what is already a very stretched health service.
“If we can also reduce the pressure on a health service that has done such incredible work in the past two years, then that’s an added bonus.”
Glaucoma occurs when the nerve connecting the eye to the brain becomes damaged, usually by a build-up of pressure within the eyes. It can affect people of all ages but is more common in those in their 70s and 80s.
Symptoms can be blurred vision or seeing rainbow-coloured circles around bright lights. As it develops gradually and the peripheral vision, many people don’t notice glaucoma developing, but it can be picked up by an optometrist at a routine eye test before symptoms develop.
