Newmedica welcomes GIRFT glaucoma guidance

Newmedica welcomes GIRFT glaucoma guidance but calls for equitable commissioning to protect patient access

Newmedica has welcomed the publication of NHS England’s Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Best Practice Guidance for Glaucoma Services, recognising it as an important step toward improving consistency and outcomes for patients across England.

The guidance’s emphasis on patient choice in selecting their provider is strongly supported by Newmedica.

Consultant Ophthalmologist and National Glaucoma Lead for Newmedica, Mr Richard Stead, said: ‘Empowering patients to choose where they receive care is critical to improving access, reducing waits (including those for routine follow-up), and ensuring high-quality, patient-centred services.’

Newmedica also welcomes the ambition to standardise glaucoma pathways nationally, which has the potential to reduce the significant variation that currently exists between Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), while cautioning that successful implementation will depend on consistent commissioning across all providers.

Mr Stead added: ‘A more consistent approach will help ensure patients receive timely diagnosis and treatment, regardless of where they live. While the guidance highlights the role of NHS-led digital services, including the NHS App and NHS Online, it is essential that this does not inadvertently create barriers to access. Commissioning decisions must ensure a level playing field across NHS and independent sector providers, enabling all qualified providers to contribute to reducing demand and preventing delays.’

‘Timely access to glaucoma care is critical. Delays in diagnosis and treatment risk irreversible sight loss, placing avoidable long-term pressure on patients, families, and the wider healthcare system.’

Newmedica is calling on NHS England and ICBs to:

• Ensure equitable and consistent commissioning frameworks that support integration across all care settings
• Protect and strengthen patient choice across all qualified providers
• Leverage the full capacity of the sector, including community-based diagnostic capabilities, to reduce waiting times and prevent avoidable vision loss.

Mr Stead concluded: ‘This guidance is a positive step forward, particularly in its recognition of patient choice and the need for greater consistency in glaucoma pathways. To realise its full benefit, implementation must ensure equitable access to all capable providers. Patients at risk of sight loss cannot afford delays – every part of the system must be mobilised to deliver timely care.’

Newmedica remains committed to working collaboratively with NHS partners to deliver high-quality glaucoma services and improve outcomes for patients nationwide.