EPIC eye care scheme launched

January 1 2005

Three areas have been selected to pilot a new Department of Health-funded eye care scheme to support the aims of the UK Vision Strategy.

Health Service areas North Essex, Worcestershire and North of Tyne have been chosen for the three-year ‘EPIC project’ which stands for Engagement, Partnership, Information and Communication.

The aim of the project is to improve services across the profession by supporting local partnerships who are working to develop and implement local eye health and sight loss support schemes.

Anita Lightstone (pictured), UK Vision Strategy programme director, said: “The UK Vision Strategy is unique in uniting such a diverse range of organisations in a common aim, The EPIC project will help us bring them together at local level - where it really counts.”

Andy McGregor, optometric advisor for NHS North of Tyne, commented: “We are delighted to be able to work with our partners to develop a strategy that will benefit visually impaired people in the North of Tyne and also assist other local areas across the UK.”

The second stage of the EPIC pilot will begin in the summer where 10 more local authorities will take part. A third stage is planned for early 2011 with 10 more areas to be selected.