Data from: A qualitative study of stakeholder views regarding participation in locally commissioned enhanced optometric services

Objectives: to explore the views of optometrists, GPs and ophthalmologists
regarding the development and organisation of community-based enhanced
optometric services Design: qualitative study using free-text
questionnaires and telephone interviews Setting: a Minor Eye Conditions
Scheme (MECS) and a Glaucoma Referral Refinement Scheme (GRRS) based in
accredited community optometry practices Participants: 41 optometrists, 6
ophthalmologists and 25 GPs Results: the most common reason given by
optometrists for participation in enhanced schemes was to further their
professional development; however as providers of ‘for-profit’ healthcare,
it was clear that participants had also considered the impact of the
schemes on their business. Lack of fit with the ‘retail’ business model of
optometry was a frequently given reason for non-participation. The methods
used for training and accreditation were generally thought to be
appropriate, and participating optometrists welcomed the opportunities for
ongoing training. The ophthalmologists involved in the MECS and GRRS
expressed very positive views regarding the schemes and widely
acknowledged that the new care pathways would reduce unnecessary referrals
and shorten patient waiting times. GPs involved in the MECS were also very
supportive. They felt that the scheme provided an ‘expert’ local opinion
that could potentially reduce the number of secondary care referrals.
Conclusions: the results of this study demonstrated strong stakeholder
support for the development of community-based enhanced optometric
services. Although optometrists welcomed the opportunity to develop their
professional skills and knowledge, enhanced schemes must also provide a
sufficient financial incentive so as not to compromise the profitability
of their business.