More eye patients could be treated in the island under proposals announced by the Department of Health and Social Care.

The department has launched a six-week consultation, on proposals DHSC member Jason Moorhouse MHK says will ’modernise eye care and bring it into line with public expectations’.

’We must stop sending people across in order to cut costs but also to ensure elderly people are not forced into making trips which may exacerbate other health issues,’ he said.

The proposals recognise that the Manx NHS spends more per head of population on eye health services than NHS commissioners in England - and a significant amount is incurred due to people with rare conditions needing to travel off-island for treatment.

In addition, the population of the island is ageing, a trend which is set to continue with the fastest growth among those aged 85 and over - the age group most at risk of eye disorders causing vision impairment.

A DHSC spokesman said: ’The remodelling process may be accomplished either through improving the skills among staff at the hospital or through an extension of partnership arrangements with an off-island provider, similar to that provided to patients receiving treatment for age-related macular degeneration on-island by staff from Aintree University Hospital in Liverpool.

’The strategy suggests a better use of resources would lead to the introduction of a screening service for diabetics and produce greater productivity in cataract surgery, and that high-street optometrists could ease waiting lists by meeting much of the current demand for the treatment of minor and stable conditions.

’Situated around the island, optometrists would play a key role in the proposed strategy.’

The frequency of eye tests could also be reduced to one every two years, and with a £10 contribution.

The consultation runs until November 27 and is available at https://consult.gov.im