CUES benefits patients and the wider NHS

CUES benefits patients and the wider NHS

The Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IPHN) has showcased the Community Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES), which 1,159 optical practices now deliver in 19 ICB areas. The report notes that optical practices provided 292,322 CUES episodes across England in 2022/2023, with more than 81% of patients managed within the primary care service and just 11% referred to ophthalmology.

Manisha Kumar, chief medical officer of NHS Greater Manchester, said: “CUES provides patients accessible urgent eye care in the community, meaning patients can see an eye care specialist right away and reduce pressure on GPs and hospitals. The service shows the difference collaborative working across primary and secondary care can make, allowing us to treat residents with timely, high-quality care in the community.”