Collaborative work to improve eye care services wins Glaucoma UK's Excellence in Glaucoma Care award 2022

The Health Board’s Primary Care Optometry and Secondary Care Glaucoma teams, along with Gareth Bulpin, National Architect Eye Care Digitisation NHS Wales, have been awarded this year’s Excellence in Glaucoma Care award for their work to improve eye care for patients across Wales.

The Excellence in Glaucoma Care Award was designed to celebrate the innovative work being done in glaucoma care. Our teams were nominated on their efforts to improve eye care for patients across Wales by collaborating primary and secondary health care, and maximising the use of digital advancements.

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (UHB) and Gareth Bulpin responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by developing a new Electronic Patient Record (EPR) and electronic referral system for eye care in Wales, the first national system of its kind.

This new system allowed patients to choose an appointment more suited to them in terms of time and location. It also enabled improved patient waiting times.

Gareth Bulpin, National Architect Eye Care Digitisation NHS Wales at Cardiff and Vale UHB said: “This is by far the best award to win and means the most. Our work has significantly impacted on the outcomes of patients and, by improving treatment timelines, has prevented those with more complex cases from developing more serious conditions or even sight loss. We are looking forward to seeing the additional benefits we can bring over the next year.”

From April 2020 to-date the number of patients being seen on time has continued to increase and is currently 69.1%.

As well as improving patient experiences, the initiatives have also helped to release consultant capacity and clinic space, enabling them to focus on treating complex patients that need urgent care. For more information on the award visit Glaucoma UK’s website by clicking here.