Ophthalmology outpatients – safe and efficient processes

Ophthalmology is the second busiest outpatient specialty and demand is outstripping capacity, with the risk of delays, particularly to follow up patients which can result in permanent loss of vision. It is crucial to ensure robust processes to ensure effective safe use of resources to deliver outpatient care. This document outlines some key principles and aims to support national programmes involved in reconfiguration of ophthalmology services for improvement such as the National Elective Care Transformation programme, Getting it Right First Time and Right Care.