The eye care support pathway

There are four stages to the eye care support pathway;

1. Having my initial appointment
2. Having my diagnosis confirmed
3. Support after my diagnosis
4. Living well with my condition

Between each stage are periods of waiting. Alongside these stages are three themes which apply right across the eye care support pathway. These are;

1. Understand my eye care journey
2. Understand my diagnosis
3. Access to emotional and practical support

Using the pathway framework, people’s support requirements alongside existing good practice have been mapped out for each stage of the pathway.

Watch RNIB’s Dr Louise Gow, Head of Optometry, Low Vision and Eye Health Services, and Robert Cooper, Director of Strategic Engagement, discuss the importance of the Eye Care Support Pathway in an interview with Sharon Thomas, for the ITN Business Global Action for Eye Health programme launched on World Sight Day, 10 October 2024.

You can watch the full programme at ITN Business Hub.

If you have sight loss or an eye condition, or support someone who does, and would like information or support – we’re here for you:

Call our helpline on 0303 123 9999

We have also published a new Eye Care Support Pathway booklet, which you can download and use on your eye care journey:

RNIB can provide a range of services. If you are working with someone who requires further support, please use the referral form below.

For more information on the pathway and implementing it within health and care:

• Download the eye care support pathway report
• Download the letter supporting the adoption of the pathway within the NHS from the National Clinical Director of Eye Care.

We have also been holding a series of round table discussions across the country to engage with professionals about how they can help deliver the pathway. You can read more about these events in the resources below.

1. Low Vision
2. Ophthalmic Nursing
3. Ophthalmology and Primary Eye Care

For further information and discussions about the implementation of the UK pathway and the report, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]

For country specific discussions please contact RNIB’s Country Directors or NHS Engagement Managers:

• England: [email protected]
• Wales: [email protected] or [email protected]
• Scotland: [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected]
• Northern Ireland: [email protected] or [email protected]

If you want your business to be at the forefront of driving transformations in eye care services and support, please get in touch with Rob Melvill at [email protected].