Vision and Eye Research Unit (VERU) works with Addenbrooke's Hospital

Staff at Vision and Eye Research Unit (VERU), part of the Postgraduate Medical Institute, are running a pilot scheme with Addenbrooke's to enable local residents suspected to be suffering from glaucoma to be diagnosed - and treated - more quickly. VERU will assess patients whose GPs have referred them with suspected glaucoma. If glaucoma is confirmed they will be referred back to the hospital to be treated.

This partnership will allow patients to be seen quickly, resulting in reduced waiting time at the hospital, and will enable patients to start treatment sooner if required.

Professor Rupert Bourne, consultant ophthalmologist at Addenbrooke's and Professor of Ophthalmology at VERU said:

"This is an excellent example of how optometrists can be involved in the screening of referred patients for glaucoma and builds on the high quality outcomes reported by existing glaucoma schemes, such as that at Hinchingbrooke Hospital."

Dr Keith Martin, from the Cambridge Eye Unit at Addenbrooke's, said:

"This outreach scheme is a positive move for patients, because they will be seen as quickly as possible. It is also good for the hospital, because it lets us make the best use of specialist resources. All diagnoses will be to the same standard as in the eye unit - and if treatment is necessary then patients will receive further care at Addenbrooke's."

Professor Shahina Pardhan, Director of VERU said:

"This is another example of how the Postgraduate Medical Institute can work collaboratively with NHS Trusts in order to try to improve patient care. The new VERU facility in the Bryant Building on Cambridge campus is well equipped to run this scheme and we have a dedicated team of optometrists who have been specially trained to run these clinics. We are hoping that this collaborative scheme can be extended to other PMI partners."

VERU brings together all research in vision and eye in our University. The Unit has successful, collaborative partnerships with various departments in Science and Technology, including Vision and Hearing Sciences, Computing and Technology, Life Sciences and Psychology. It also collaborates with researchers in the Faculty of Health and Social Care. VERU has wide ranging research areas, including research into myopia and visual function, glaucoma, children's vision, diabetes, epidemiology of eye disease, visual short term memory, low vision, contact lens and anterior eye and also colour performance in primates and horses. VERU works with the pharmaceutical industry to develop a clearer understanding of eye diseases, and with the optical and contact lens industry. VERU also works alongside key NHS partners to seek ways to enhance patient care.

For further details please contact Professor Shahina Pardhan, Director, ext 2257 or visit our VERU website.
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