“Life-saving” opticians BP checks
Norma Booth’s active heart attack was discovered after a BP check at her opticians
A new NHS pilot delivered by Primary Eyecare Services (PES), incorporating blood pressure checks into routine eye examinations has potentially saved 44 lives in just eight months – according to the organisation.
One such patient is Norma Booth from Manchester. During a precautionary blood pressure check at her local opticians, Norma’s optometrist noted her excessively high blood pressure reading – later detected as stage two hypertension. Her results prompted immediate action, which revealed that Norma was suffering from an active heart attack.
Norma said “the hypertension service was an absolute life saver. I cannot thank my optometrist enough for helping me.”
The NHS Hypertension pilot, delivered by PES in partnership with local NHS commissioners and local optical committees (LOCs), is active in four areas: Greater Manchester, Lancashire & South Cumbria, Gloucestershire, and Cheshire & Merseyside.
During the first eight months of the pilot, more than 4,000 blood pressure checks have taken place with 22 per cent of patients referred for further investigations after abnormal readings. A total of 44 individuals later received urgent life-saving medical assistance, as a result of the blood pressure test.
The clinical lead for the pilot in Greater Manchester, Julia Maiden from Wigan LOC, said: “The data highlights the service’s effectiveness in identifying undiagnosed hypertension – an intervention that can significantly reduce long-term cardiovascular risk.”
The hypertension service has received high patient satisfaction, with 99.4 per cent of patients recommending the service – and some stating, “it’s much easier than going to the doctor’s and more relaxing”.
Dharmesh Patel, PES chief executive, stated: “This pilot reflects the importance of optometry’s role in supporting the NHS’s 10-Year Plan of neighbourhood-led healthcare, offering convenient, accessible and effective care for more patients across England.”
PES is a not-for-profit organisation providing NHS funded eyecare services across England. Services are available from the majority of local opticians.