Exciting changes to eye care referrals in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin will be rolled out later this year.

The new Electronic Eye Referral Service (EeRS) is coming to the Midlands, as part of an NHS-led regional implementation programme.

EeRS is a digital platform that allows optometrists to refer patients directly to secondary care for eye conditions that need further investigation or treatment.

The roll out will take place from late Summer to early Autumn at no cost to optical practices. This means that high street optometrists will soon be able to make referrals using EeRS.

Claire Roberts, Clinical Advisor for Optometry in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said: “This is a really exciting new development for us.  By introducing a new electronic referral system for eye-care services, we aim to improve the experience of our patients and staff across primary, community and secondary care.

“The benefits for patients and staff working in optometry are really significant.

“This new system will improve the referral process, enable information to be shared more easily and support better communication between the different services.”

EeRS will bring many benefits to both patients and optometrists, such as:

• Faster and more convenient referrals, with no need for email, post, or fax in future.
• The ability to attach documents and images (including eye scans) to the referral.
• Reduced burden on GP staff who currently process referrals from optometrists.
• Improved communication and feedback between primary and secondary care, with access to a patients’ referral status and outcomes.
• Enhanced patient safety and quality of care, with reduced risk of referral errors or delays.

NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin is working with the Shropshire Local Optical Committee to implement the change and raise awareness of this new way of working amongst optometrists across the county.