A £750,000 cashpot has been announced for the procurement of state-of-the-art ophthalmology equipment for hospitals in Wales.
The money from the Government will pay for a number of fundus cameras, which enable optometrists to view the back of the eye and take digital photographs and are the very latest advance in screening technology.
It is estimated an ophthalmologist using a fundus camera will see 10 patients for the cost of seeing one patient
The cameras can reveal signs of a number of eye conditions and wider health problems, and allow the optician not only to view, but also to capture images of, the retina, enabling monitoring and comparison over time.
The six local health boards in Wales that operate a hospital eye service will share the funding to buy 18 cameras between them.
The investment is part of the Welsh Government’s commitment to establishing ophthalmic diagnostic and treatment centres across the country.
Because of the quality of images provided by the fundus camera, optometrists can often pick up on small changes they would not have been able to see in the past
Announcing the funding, Health Minister, Lesley Griffiths, said: “Because of the quality of images provided by the fundus camera, optometrists can often pick up on small changes they would not have been able to see in the past. This will enable early detection and treatment of a range of conditions such as diabetes, macular degeneration and cancer of the eye.
“Using the latest technology delivers wider benefits to the NHS. It is estimated an ophthalmologist using a fundus camera will see 10 patients for the cost of seeing one patient. Nurses, technicians and orthoptists using the camera will support a consultant-led virtual clinic, freeing up the consultant to see more patients.”