Newmedica Strengthens Glaucoma Services with Optometrist-Turned-Ophthalmologist Appointment

Newmedica, a leading provider of ophthalmology services across England, has appointed Richard Stead as its lead for glaucoma.

This strategic move underscores Newmedica’s commitment to delivering exceptional and timely care for both NHS and private patients across the spectrum of ophthalmology specialisms.

Mr. Stead, who also serves as a consultant partner at Newmedica Nottingham and has been a substantive consultant at the tertiary referral centre, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, since 2015, brings a unique perspective to the role. His background includes a BSc (Hons) in Optometry from UMIST and an MBChB from the University of Leicester (2005), complemented by FRCOphth (2012) and a Glaucoma Fellowship from Birmingham Midland Eye Centre (2014).

“The increasing demand for glaucoma care presents a significant challenge to the health service, often leading to appointment delays and potential vision loss,” notes Mr. Stead. “Newmedica possesses the capacity and specialist knowledge to collaborate effectively with NHS trusts to address this critical backlog. Our consultant-led model, where professionals also work within the NHS, ensures an efficient pathway for glaucoma patients to receive timely assessment and treatment, thereby alleviating pressure on hospital services.”

Newmedica aligns with NICE guidelines by offering Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) as a first-line treatment, a non-invasive laser procedure proven to reduce intraocular pressure. Furthermore, Newmedica provides minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) in conjunction with cataract surgery where clinically indicated and commissioned.

Recognizing the vital role of community optometry, Newmedica fosters continuity of care through close collaboration with its specialist-trained glaucoma optometrists, many of whom have benefited from training provided by Newmedica’s consultant clinical partners. This enables the effective management of a significant proportion of glaucoma patients within the community setting.

Newmedica Nottingham actively receives primary referrals, managing patients with mild to moderate glaucoma and implementing SLT as a key first-line intervention. “Our approach includes considering MIGS at the time of cataract surgery when clinically appropriate,” explains Mr. Stead, “potentially preventing the need for more complex glaucoma surgeries in the future.”

By proactively managing lower-risk glaucoma cases, Newmedica aims to mitigate disease progression and reduce the number of patients reaching high-risk stages, ultimately improving patient outcomes and lessening the long-term strain on NHS resources.

Mr. Stead’s experience as a former optometrist underscores Newmedica’s commitment to empowering the optometric workforce. Through its consultant-led framework, Newmedica actively invests in training its optometrists to achieve independent prescribing and glaucoma higher certificate qualifications, further enhancing patient care delivery. “Our optometrists undergo rigorous training and regular audit against their glaucoma work,” Mr. Stead affirms. “This consultant-led structure ensures that all our patients benefit from expert care at every stage. Building those community relationships is a fundamental part of our ethos. The accessibility of high street community providers alongside our model is key to the long-term management of glaucoma; thus preserving and saving many peoples sight in the future. This will alleviate the pressures within the already stretched NHS services and social care provisions.”