NHS Eyecare Services Programme

The initial excitement of the £4 m awarded by the Minister for Health in 2002 for the modernisation of eyecare services was rapidly replaced with the resolve and dedication of all those involved in setting up the NHS Eyecare Services Programme and making positive change a reality.

The NHS Eyecare Services Programme works with the NHS to provide national facilitation and co-ordination for the testing and development of the eyecare pathways. The pathways proposed by the national Eyecare Services Steering Group are for the long term conditions of:

At a national level, the work is facilitated and coordinated by the NHS Eyecare Services Programme that is responsible to the Department of Health. Active links are also maintained with Strategic Health Authorities, the wider health and care community as well as professional and voluntary sector bodies.

Structure of the Programme

Within the programme there are eight main pilots and four associate pilots. The links between the local and national perspectives is through the local Project Board and Project Manager to the National Programme Managers and Programme Director.

Each project follows the PRINCE2 project management methodology, with a small project board overseeing the work locally and connecting with local stakeholders. This provides a system for managing the project effectively and a process for measuring progress against plans.

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