OCT survey launches in Scotland

A taskforce established by Optometry Scotland has launched a research programme to determine the value of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in enhanced community eye care services.

The short-life working group has released a survey on the current use of OCT in practice and associated costs to practices or patients.

The survey has been distributed to optometrists and practice owners across Scotland and is open to both members and non-members.

The short-life working group was established in March and is expected to spend six months on the research programme.

The group is made up of seven members including Julie Mosgrove and Eilidh Thomson, chair and vice chair of Optometry Scotland, as well as individuals from multiple and independent practices, NHS National Services Scotland, ophthalmology and the University of Aberdeen – which is conducting the formal research.

Commenting on the launch of the survey, Mosgrove said: “Our aim is to ensure that this advanced diagnostic tool becomes accessible to all, improving early detection and treatment of eye conditions.”

Results from the survey will be presented to the Scottish Government with the aim of prompting a funding review for enhanced community optometry autonomy, Optometry Scotland has said.

Thomson added: “It is the role of Optometry Scotland to represent our members, and we believe that enhanced community services should not come at a cost for the practice or the patient.”

Behind the survey with Julie Mosgrove

OT spoke with Julie Mosgrove, chair of Optometry Scotland and the SLWG for OCT, about the drivers behind the survey.

Reflecting on the uptake of OCT in practices, Mosgrove said: “Technology is moving on massively within the profession. OCT technology has been around for a number of years and it is something that, as a profession, people are investing more in.”

Funding for NHS eye examinations in Scotland does not cover OCT and so this becomes a private service, Mosgrove explained. She said: “I think our clinical pathway in Scotland is not keeping pace with the direction of technology.”

An initial investment in retinal cameras was provided by the Scottish Government in 2008, but these devices are now outdated and many practices are replacing the technology with OCT, offering these services privately.

Currently, additional payment is received for every patient over 60 who has a retinal photograph taken, Mosgrove said: “What we would like to see happen in the future is to open that wider to the newer technology, offering a funding amount for when a patient requires, or could benefit from, OCT.”

This will give us a much clearer picture to be able to draw up some recommendations that we can then go to Government with

The use of OCT in the community aids referral refinement, Mosgrove suggested, and provides hospital clinics with a more detailed picture of a patient’s condition.

A previous expert working group on primary eye care that explored opportunities to enhance service delivery, including how more patients could be seen locally, recommended a supplementary general ophthalmic services payment for technology like OCT.

Optometry Scotland has been in discussion with the Scottish Government about OCT technology for a number of years but for various reasons a SLWG on OCT hadn’t yet been launched.

“When we met with cabinet minister for public health, Jenni Minto, we spoke about Optometry Scotland commissioning it and they were encouraged by us doing that,” Mosgrove explained, adding: “It’s been on the cards for a number of years and we’re finally at the stage to be able to take it forward.”

Anecdotal information highlights the benefits of OCT for supporting optometrists' confidence in making a referral or managing a patient in the community, as well as enhancing dialogue between the hospital and practice.

Mosgrove said: “There is so much anecdotal feedback, but we don’t have any quantifiable data, and that is what has driven us to do the survey. We’re looking to get quantifiable data to understand who is investing in OCT now, who already has the technology, and aspects of training.”

The survey for clinicians seeks to garner an understanding of confidence in relation to OCT and the training required for its use. The survey for businesses considers value, whether the business is looking to invest, long-term plans, barriers to investing in OCT, as well as what types of OCT practices already have.

“This will give us a much clearer picture to be able to draw up some recommendations that we can then go to government with,” Mosgrove said.

In addition to participating in the surveys, optometrists and practices can help to raise awareness of OCT, Mosgrove suggested.

“Talk about OCT,” she said, adding: “When we speak to Scottish ministers involved in eye care, they do know what OCT is, and they only know that if we’re all talking about it.”

One way to engage in the conversation is to host MSP visits in practice. To mark National Eye Health Week last year, Optometry Scotland took an OCT to Parliament to screen Members of the Scottish Parliament and their staff.

“Showing any MSPs OCT and taking them through the benefits is helpful,” she suggested, while practices without these devices could highlight the barriers to the technology.

Finally, Mosgrove encouraged practitioners to share their experiences with Optometry Scotland.

“Share stories – the good and the bad – especially around technology and how it has benefited your patients,” she said.