IGA wins commendation at Ophthalmology Awards 2017
The IGA together with Princess Alexander Eye Pavilion, NHS Lothian receives a commendation for a local patient-led support group for Scotland aimed at reaching out to patients to improve awareness of glaucoma in the community.
‘Glaucoma Support Edinburgh’ was formed by a group of patients to address several unmet needs as the NHS now believe patients should take responsibility for their own health, and a support group/forum where patients can build their knowledge is an aid to this goal. The initiative began by recruiting a small group of patients, representatives from the International Glaucoma Association (IGA) and glaucoma specialists from the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, to form a project steering committee.
Their aim was to establish a local patient-led support group for Scotland with its own identity, but affiliated to the IGA, with the aim of reaching out to patients and improve awareness of glaucoma in the community.
A website was developed to provide patients with information on meetings and events which is now used as a local awareness/information site. The culture of ‘patients supporting patients’ has led to growth in the number of patients engaging with and accessing the support provided. The group has relieved pressure on the NHS services where there is little extra funding for patient education.
Judges’ comments:
“This entry showcased ‘excellent results’ and fulfils the unmet need that exists in some ophthalmology units. The judges found it interesting and demonstrated clear innovation by being patient led – overall it was a good use of patient support groups and patient ownership.”
For more information about the 2017 winners, click here
About the awards
The Ophthalmology Honours recognise and celebrate the outstanding work being carried out by multi-disciplinary teams in ophthalmology throughout the UK. The awards identify exceptional initiatives that demonstrate clinical excellence and innovation in ophthalmology, and recognise exceptional individuals who improve the quality of care provided to patients and the patient experience. Funded and facilitated by Bayer, the awards are judged by a multi-disciplinary panel of experts in ophthalmology care and the decision-making process is wholly independent of Bayer.
