NHS Barnsley CCG is currently reviewing the way in which minor eye conditions are treated locally and people in Barnsley are invited to have their say in order to help shape how services are planned and delivered in the borough.
In 2015, the CCG launched a free eye care service for people with minor eye conditions called the Primary Eyecare Assessment and Referral Service or more commonly referred to as PEARS.
The aim of the PEARS scheme is to prevent the need to see a GP or visit A&E with a minor eye condition, and instead make appointments with local participating opticians, who can treat a wide range of minor eye conditions.
The optician assesses and treats the condition, or is able to make an onward referral for further treatment/ advice in relation to a number of specified minor eye conditions for example dry or painful eyes, sudden reduced vision or in-growing eyelashes.
The current contract for the PEARS scheme is due to come to an end later in 2018. Prior to this the CCG are gathering feedback from the following three key groups of people: people using the service now or in the future; people referring into the service; and people providing the service, in order to determine the effectiveness of the current PEARS scheme and to develop minor eye conditions services locally for the future.
Dr. Adebowale Adekunle from Barnsley CCG said ‘We are always looking at ways we can improve healthcare for local people across Barnsley and develop services closer to home wherever it is appropriate to do so’.
‘A key part of this review is finding out what local people think about when accessing treatment for minor eye conditions and if there are any areas they feel could be improved. The feedback we receive will be instrumental in helping us to shape the development of this service locally’.
If you have previously (within the last three years) or currently access treatment for a minor eye condition, or you are a family member or carer of someone who does, please visit www.barnsleyccg.nhs.uk/haveyoursay or call us on 01226 433779 for further details on how you can access the patient survey or register to take part in our public workshop planned for the evening of 14th March.
The closing date for feedback is Wednesday 21st March 2018.