The Pathway is a new framework to ensure patients have timely access to information, advice and support throughout their eye care journey. The ambition for the Eye Care Support 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 the support that they need. Patients should be able to actively participate and take control of their eye care journey.
As an established partner of RNIB, having worked together with the charity for a number of years, we were pleased to be asked to work together most recently on their Eye Support Pathway. The Pathway aims to support individuals with sight loss and eye care needs at every stage of their journey, from practical to emotional support, and recently wins cross-sector backing.
There is an increasing level of demand placed on NHS practitioners and eye care departments, which is having an even greater impact on patients. Between 2021 and 2022, there were more than 8 million outpatient eye care appointments in the UK, which is the highest footfall for any speciality. Alongside this, the RNIB’s research also found people often find it difficult to access eye health and sight loss information, services and support more broadly. It’s reassuring, then, that more than 20 organisations have already endorsed the Eye Care Support Pathway.
With the level of demand placed on NHS practitioners, eye care departments, and with the need for each individual appointment never greater than it is today there is a real need for change. There were more than 8 million outpatient eye care appointments in the UK in 2021/22, the highest footfall for any speciality. RNIB’s research has found that people often find it difficult to access eye health and sight loss information, services and support.
The Eye Care Support Pathway puts the person at the centre of their eye care and sight loss journey. When the Eye Care Support Pathway is implemented, we must seize the opportunity to truly transform services, empower patients and improve outcomes.
- Louisa Wickham, National Clinical Director for Eye care for NHS EnglandMore than 20 organisations have already endorsed the Eye Care Support Pathway. Two years of work led up to the publication of the Pathway and our team are pleased to have helped to shape it. Ensera Design worked with RNIB on the Pathway, from research and strategy, to mapping and conceptualisation, bolstering the charity’s detailed research and considered 500 people with lived experience.
The next steps for the Pathway will see the Charity Sector Partnership working with NHS and social care bodies and those with lived experience to implement the Eye Care Support Pathway. RNIB have pledged that the work will continue until everyone who has a sight loss diagnosis gets the support which is person-centred and timely from the outset and throughout their eye care journey. We’re excited to see what’s next for RNIB and how this work enables those living with sight loss.
For more information about the eye care support pathway, read the full report here.
