Primary Eyecare Assessment and Referral Service (PEARS)

The aim of the Primary Eyecare Assessment and Referral Service pathway is to:

• reduce unnecessary referrals to the hospital eye services
• reduce patient anxiety and increase capacity within the overburdened hospital eye health services
• provide a more cost effective service with a greater number of patients being managed within the primary care setting 

Summary of the PEARS pathway

• A PEARS examination will provide a speedy assessment of the needs of a patient presenting with an eye condition.
• The examination will be undertaken by an accredited optometrist within suitably equipped premises who will manage the patient appropriately and safely.
• Management will be maintained within the primary care setting for as many patients as possible, thus avoiding unnecessary referrals to hospital services.
• Where referral to secondary care is required it will be to a suitable specialist with appropriate urgency.
• Patients can self-refer or be referred by GPs, pharmacists or other optometrists.

LOCSU support for the pathway

LOCSU has developed a range of downloadable support for members of Local and Regional Optical Committees who want to introduce these pathways in their area, including:

• pathway
• business case and PowerPoint presentation for you to use when opening up discussions on a PEARS scheme with local commissioners - the presentation comes with briefing notes to guide you through details of the service package

Supporting Documentation for PEARS (LOC/ROC Members only)

Skills and training support for PEARS

Contact us for details of how LOCSU can support your LOC/ROC when developing new pathways.