A pilot between Primary Eyecare Services and four Trusts has successfully incorporated blood pressure checks into routine eye tests.
An NHS pilot incorporating blood pressure checks into routine eye tests has potentially saved 44 lives over the past eight months.
The NHS hypertension pilot delivered by eye care services provider Primary Eyecare Services in partnership with local NHS commissioners and local optical committees 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% of patients referred for further investigations after abnormal readings. Later, 44 individuals received medical assistance as a result of the blood pressure test.
“The data highlights the service’s effectiveness in identifying undiagnosed hypertension – an intervention that can significantly reduce long-term cardiovascular risk,” said Julia Maiden, clinical lead for the pilot in Greater Manchester.
The hypertension service has received high patient satisfaction, with 99.4% of patients recommending the service.
