Optometry Schemes

Reviewed February 2021

These schemes enable some patients to receive treatment from local, trained and accredited  optometrists instead of having to attend either Royal Shrewsbury or Princess Royal Hospital. Dependent on your condition, it may not be appropriate for you to receive these services in this way, in which case you will need to attend the hospital.  To find out which optometrists provide these services in your local area, please contact Shropshire CCG or Telford & Wrekin CCG.

MECS (Minor Eye Conditions Service) is a free service delivered by local accredited optometrists, who can offer appointments if you need advice or treatment for a recent eye condition.  The service is available across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin.

The Glaucoma Repeat Pressure Scheme enables accredited optometrists to conduct a repeat test of intra-ocular pressure for individuals whose initial test result was 22 mmHg or higher.  The repeat test is carried out at the local practice within 7 days of the first test.

The Cataract Referral Refinement scheme enables accredited optometrists to conduct a full cataract assessment, which will include: discussion of a health self-assessment questionnaire completed by the patient; communication of the risks and benefits; ascertaining the patient’s willingness to proceed with surgery; and their suitability.

The Post Op Cataract Follow Up scheme enables accredited optometrists to conduct the post-operative assessment following cataract surgery.  Patients will be suitable for discharge into the service if they have had uncomplicated surgery and no co-morbidity, with the final decision being taken by their ophthalmologist. Patients will be given a discharge letter, with the instruction to make an appointment with an accredited Optometrist at a practice of their choice 4-6 weeks after surgery. A list of participating practices will be supplied to the patient.

The Paediatric Screening Pathway scheme enables children, identified as having a sight defect at school screening tests, to be referred to an accredited community optometrist.   Only those children deemed to need secondary care attention will be subsequently referred to the hospital.

The Ocular Hypertension Monitoring Pathway enables patients with OHT, who can be safely and effectively managed within the community, to be discharged to an accredited community optometrist.