Innovative Technician-Led Eye Clinics Could Expedite NHS Eye Care, Study Finds

Recent research led by University College London highlights the potential of community-based, technician-run virtual eye clinics to significantly reduce waiting times for routine ophthalmology appointments within the NHS. These clinics, set up in locations like shopping centers, aim to address the backlog caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a scalable and efficient alternative to traditional hospital-based care.

The study evaluated data from over 69,000 appointments involving more than 39,000 patients with stable glaucoma and retinal conditions across the Moorfields Eye Hospital network in London, spanning from June 2018 to April 2023. During the pandemic, NHS waits for eye appointments surged, with over 628,000 people in England waiting for more than a year, posing serious concerns about timely care.

The new virtual clinics, launched in September 2021 at Brent Cross shopping center during the pandemic's peak, involved training technicians without prior healthcare experience to perform routine eye scans. These scans were then reviewed remotely by clinicians, allowing specialists to focus on urgent and complex cases. The findings revealed that, within just five months of operation, the clinics reduced appointment delays by an average of over eight days per week, with delays decreasing from six months to about two months for stable patients.

Lead researcher Siyabonga Ndwandwe emphasized that such community-based clinics could play a vital role in alleviating NHS workforce shortages and limited hospital capacity. The approach supports the government's vision to transform NHS services by shifting care into communities, leveraging technology, and prioritizing prevention.

Joint first author Dr. Dun Jack Fu from the NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Center explained that this model is scalable and adaptable, having the potential to be expanded beyond glaucoma into other ophthalmic conditions. The study, part of the HERCULES project, underscores the importance of innovative solutions in reducing care delays post-COVID and improving access for patients with stable eye conditions.

While acknowledging some limitations, such as the lack of an external control group, the researchers note that the findings are promising for future NHS service reforms. They believe that such virtual clinics could be a game-changer in delivering faster, more efficient eye care, ultimately helping to clear the longstanding backlog and improve patient outcomes.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-technician-eye-clinics-nhs.html