Overview

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists is advocating for the national standardisation of electronic health records (EHRs) to enhance patient care, improve outcomes, and streamline processes within eye care services.

Key Points

• Collaboration with various organisations, including the College of Optometrists and the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN), to promote consistent clinical data fields in EHRs.
• A position statement released on 28 July 2025 highlights the issues of data silos and poor interoperability in current EHR systems, which jeopardise patient safety and continuity of care.
• Research from Imperial College London indicates that NHS trusts in England operate at least 21 different EHR systems, many lacking the ability to share essential information.

Statements from Leaders

Professor Ben Burton, president of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, stated:

“We have long recognised that collaboration and standardisation are crucial for enhancing patient experiences. The absence of standardisation leads to delays in diagnoses and treatments, increasing workloads for optometrists and ophthalmologists.”

He also expressed optimism regarding the government’s recognition of the need for a single patient record (SPR) as part of the 10-year health plan.

Challenges Identified

The position statement notes that primary care optometrists encounter difficulties in accessing and updating EHRs and NHS IT systems, which can impede communication and collaboration, particularly when patients transition between providers. This can lead to:

1. Delays in care
2. Increased waiting lists
3. Unnecessary referrals and duplication of tests
4. Higher risks of misdiagnosis and treatment errors

Future Directions

Dr. Gillian Rudduck MCOptom, president of the College of Optometrists, emphasised the importance of standardised EHRs for improving patient care and facilitating effective referrals and communication.

The position statement urges policymakers to:

• Commission eye care information standards based on datasets developed by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and the College of Optometrists.
• Align EHR systems with these standards and invest in training staff to accurately collect and input patient information.

Dr. Howard Freeman, clinical director at IHPN, remarked:

“Accurate and up-to-date shared patient records are essential for delivering high-quality care. The independent sector is committed to collaborating with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists to support the standardisation of electronic health records, ensuring seamless patient care across different settings.”