The value of LV optometrists providing CVI in dry AMD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Hospital to Community: The value of community Low Vision Optometrists providing certification of visual impairment in cases of Dry Age Related Macular Degeneration
IRAS ID
331940
Contact name
Rhianon Reynolds
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
CRD42024516307, PROSPERO Realist Review
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Background: Certification of a patient with visual impairment (CVI) has historically required an appointment with a consultant Ophthalmologist within the Hospital Eye Service (HES). Waits for an appointment for those that need CVI for their dry AMD and for whom no active treatment is available tend to be longer because they are deemed less urgent than for those at risk of preventable irreversible sight loss. CVI allows registration as sight impaired with a local authority access to support services potential welfare payments. Delays in CVI will lead to delays in this vulnerable group of people accessing essential care and support services plus financial benefits, to the detriment of their health well-being and can put them at risk of falls and other adverse consequences.
Aim: We will assess the impact of community optometrists with higher qualifications in low vision certifying people with visual impairment due to dry AMD on the number of people being certified. We will also conduct an economic analysis to assess patient experience.
Methods: We will take a realist approach using mixed methods. Health economics will evaluate the financial costs involved as well as modelling to predict the impact changes in practice could have on individual with visual impairment, hospital community eyecare services on social service provision. Realist review will use PREMs, surveys structured interview techniques to determine how the change in service provision would affect patients, professionals support workers. Routinely collected data on individuals registered with a CVI in Wales will be accessed to identify the geographic distribution demographic profile of people being certified in Wales before after the involvement of community eye care.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/LO/0525
Date of REC Opinion
16 Oct 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion