Vision and Eye Research Institute helps reduce waiting lists for glaucoma patients caused by the pandemic
Published: 12 July 2022 at 15:52
A successful partnership between Cambridge University Hospital Trust and ARU's Vision and Eye Research Institute (VERI) has helped reduce waiting times for over 5,000 patients waiting for glaucoma treatment.
Dr Stylianos Georgoulas, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Addenbrookes NHS Trust, commented:
"Covid created challenges as well as new opportunities. During the pandemic the Addenbrookes glaucoma service created a strong collaboration with the Vision and Eye Research Institute at Anglia Ruskin.
"This collaboration led to increased capacity of the Addenbrookes glaucoma service by more than 5,000 appointments in the last year, which significantly decreased the waiting time for glaucoma appointments at Addenbrookes. "This has enabled faster management and treatment for patients."
James Fincham, Glaucoma Service Manager at Addenbrookes NHS Trusts, said:
"The pandemic has shown just how quickly large waiting lists can grow, but also what the NHS can achieve during challenging times. We have been very lucky to be able to build on our existing great working relationships with the Vision and Eye Research Institute.
"We have developed new pathways to allow our glaucoma patients to be seen faster and in a calmer environment than our hospital clinics.
"Working together has been invaluable in being able to reduce waiting times and provide our patients with the best care."
Professor Shahina Pardhan, Director of VERI, stated:
"I am delighted to be able to support the NHS Trust which has led more timely care for so many of their patients. "The partnership with the NHS Trust and the Research Institute is just another successful example of how the Vision and Eye Research Institute collaborates with NHS Trusts in the region."