Improving patient care

Welsh Government Health Minister, Mark Drakeford has visited the University to see first-hand how a £9.5M fund can help improve patient care.

The Minister went to the School of Optometry & Vision Sciences' Eye Clinic to see two projects from the Welsh Government's Health Technologies and Telehealth Fund (HTF).

The Wales Optometry Postgraduate Education Centre, based in the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, and the School's Eye Clinic are participating in two projects funded by the HTF: The Open Eyes initiative and the technology refresh for Optometry Practices and Connectivity to NHS Wales Network.

The projects use technology to create better links between optometrists and NHS Wales and ease the transition from primary to secondary care services. The Cardiff University Eye Clinic in the School of Optometry & Vision Sciences will be one of a small number of 'proof of concept' centres for the Open Eyes Initiative.

Speaking at the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Mark Drakeford said:

"Technology plays a key role in achieving the best outcomes for patients and reduces the need for patients to have to travel to hospital for their care.

"This new round of £9.5M of funding will cover four key areas and shows the Welsh Government's ongoing commitment to improving health and delivering first-class health services in Wales."

The Wales Optometry Postgraduate Education Centre (WOPEC) remains the only dedicated postgraduate optometry education centre in the UK. Over 4,500 eye care professionals from around the world have studied with WOPEC, providing education and training for optometrists and eye care practitioners, creating a workforce of professionals who can deliver the highest quality eye care to patients.

Head of the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Professor Marcela Votruba added: "We were delighted to welcome the Minister to the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences so he could see first-hand how investing in new technology can benefit patients."