Community Glaucoma Service (CGS): island communities impact assessment

ICIA Consultation

Stakeholder engagement was initially undertaken to support the evidence outlined in the Community Eyecare Services Review^[9], published in April 2017, that supported the creation of a CGS.

The community optometry sector operating in rural areas has previously shared concerns regarding the sustainability of eyecare provision, both in terms of commercial viability and workforce shortages. In some of these areas, waiting times in both the community and in hospital have also been raised as concerns. Additionally, concern has been expressed about the reliability of ferry services.

We consulted with relevant stakeholders exploring how CGS could be implemented in a manner which would support wider coverage in island areas.

Dr Janet Pooley, Chief Optometric Advisor for the Scottish Government, held informal positive discussions with a number of stakeholders including the glaucoma charity International Glaucoma UK, now known as Glaucoma UK. In addition, Glaucoma UK reached out to its members across Scotland for comment.

The CGS has also been regularly discussed with Optometry Scotland (the representative body for the optometry profession in Scotland), with regular meetings being held in order that concerns and opinions could be shared which helped to inform the policy process.

Finally, a series of meetings were held with all relevant Health Boards. The purpose of these meetings was to discuss the process for implementation of CGS, to ensure the smooth transition of patients being discharged out of HES, and, where relevant, island specific matters.