Children across Gloucestershire who are found to have problems with their eye sight at school vision screening could now be referred to their local community optometrist instead of hospital.

Primary Eyecare Gloucestershire (PEG), which has been providing community eye health services since last year, has already introduced new glaucoma and cataract services as well as treatments for specific minor eye conditions.

The new service will give children who have failed their school vision screening within a defined criteria access to a full assessment through a community optician. This will reduce the need for many children to wait for a hospital appointment.

Formed by Gloucestershire Local Optical Committee (LOC), PEG manages a network of established and experienced optometrists which includes both independent practices and chains such as Specsavers and Vision Express.

Community optometrists have high levels of expertise and are well-equipped to provide excellent treatment and service, enabling children to have appointments close to home at convenient times.