The Eye Care Support Pathway

The Eye Care Support Pathway is a new framework to ensure patients have timely access to information, advice and support throughout their eye care journey.

The over-arching ambition for the pathway is that from the moment someone realises that “something isn’t quite right” with their sight, through to diagnosis and being able to live confidently – and independently – with their condition, they have access to the information, and support they need. Patients should be able to actively participate and take control of their eye care journey.

The text in graphic says: Eye care support pathway Supporting you at every stage of your journey Underneath a graphic shows the four stages of an individual’s journey with the following text: 1. Having my initial appointment 2. Waiting well 3. Having my diagnosis confirmed 4. Waiting well 5. Support after my diagnosis 6. Waiting well 7. Living well with my condition Underneath this graphic it outlines what an individual can expect on their journey. Understand my eye care journey Understand my diagnosis Access emotional and practical supportTwo years of work led up to the publication of the Pathway in 2023 – informed by detailed research, the insight of more than 500 people with lived experience and more than 30 bodies who represent professionals and patients across the sector, including Retina UK. More than 20 organisations have already endorsed the Eye Care Support Pathway.

Retina UK believes the Eye Care Support Pathway is a significant step towards working together to create positive change for those diagnosed with inherited sight loss conditions.

Louisa Wickham, National Clinical Director for Eyecare, has expressed her support for the eye care support pathway, and to encourage all stakeholders in the eye care sector to support and, where possible, adopt this pathway.

england.nhs.uk/long-read/support-for-the-eye-care-support-pathway/