Changes to the island’s eye care services should see a variety of improvements soon.

The latest eye care initiative should see more specialist eye care nurses and technicians at the eye clinic, more patients with macular degeneration being treated on-island, and a reduction in eye care waiting lists from two years to 13 months.

In addition, optometrists will be able to make direct referrals to the Noble’s Hospital ophthalmology service from October 1, and a new Minor Eye Conditions Scheme (MECS) will allow high street optometrists to provide services currently provided by GP surgeries and pharmacies.

Another target is to treat all macular patients on-island by November.

The collaboration of public, private and third sectors was launched in 2016 by the then Health Minister Howard Quayle MHK. It involved a review of services offered at Noble’s Hospital, the island’s links with specialist hospitals in the UK and the scope for high street optometrists to expand their range of services.

The Department of Health and Social Care worked with charities and optometrists to develop a strategy to improve all aspects of the island’s vision services and its draft strategy for eye health services into the future is being saluted during Vision Awareness Week 2018.

Health and Social care Minister David Ashford said: ’These moves are in response to the growing needs of our population.

’Noble’s ophthalmic service currently offers more than 12,000 appointments a year and we expect to see demand rise steadily as in common with the UK, we have an ageing population, and sight problems increase with age.

’Providing care in the community for those who no longer need consultant-led care in hospital makes sense. Utilising the skill set of trained optometrists and upskilling our own staff is progressive and will help make the very best use of resources.’

He added: ’We’ve built on a long tradition of working closely with charities, including the Manx Blind Welfare Society and the Royal National Institute for the Blind. We’ve also formed strong links with the private sector, as high street optometrists have a major role to play in future services. They’ve been important and valued partners in developing our strategy.’

The Manx Blind Welfare Society has run a number of events to publicise its work and the challenges faced by people with sight problems. More than 100 people took part in a Coast to Coast walk, while on Bright for Sight day the public were invited to wear something colourful and donate to the charity.

The society’s Ian Cooil said: ’We gave input to the draft strategy over a lengthy period and we’re happy that our views have been heard. The final draft was discussed at an open meeting of the society, where all stakeholders as well as patients were able to feedback their views to senior DHSC staff.’

He added: ’The process is an outstanding example of the benefits of bringing professionals from the various sectors to strengthen and improve aspects of healthcare for the Manx nation. Vision Awareness Week 2018 is the perfect platform to mark that achievement.’