Welsh minister for health and social services, Eluned Morgan MS has announced a consultation on the reform of primary care ophthalmic services.

According to the minister, improving service provision for people with poor eye health is a priority.

The aim is to alleviate pressure on hospital eye departments by increasing the range of services delivered closer to home in primary care.

The consultation will run from 24 April to 19 June.

Morgan said: "This represents a significant reform of eye care services, aligned to the commitments set out in A Healthier Wales and our Future Approach for Optometry Services, and will drive forward the delivery of higher quality services and, subsequently, improved outcomes for citizens. Furthermore, this will deliver positive benefits for health professionals and NHS Wales and will enable a new system-wide approach for the delivery of ophthalmic services by NHS Wales

"We have the infrastructure and a highly qualified and motivated workforce in primary care, working collaboratively with hospital eye services to ensure Wales’ eye care services continue to be a triumph for devolution. I encourage all those with an interest in eye health care in Wales to consider the proposals and to respond to this consultation at the earliest opportunity."

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