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.