New Tech Diagnoses Eye Issues, Slashes Wait Times

Thousands of patients in remote areas are set to benefit from a groundbreaking technology that remotely diagnoses complex eye conditions. This pioneering tool, named Aetheia, offers high-resolution eye exams that can be securely streamed in real time to optometrists for clinical assessment. SpaMedica, a leading provider of NHS ophthalmology services, is deploying this technology across its 68 hospitals nationwide.

The introduction of Aetheia follows a successful pilot involving 100 clinics and over 2,000 patients. Feedback indicated fewer cancelled clinics, shorter waiting times, and reduced unnecessary travel for patients. The technology is particularly impactful for common procedures like cataract surgery, where nearly 700,000 people in the UK are affected.

Clinicians report that Aetheia has already helped reduce waiting lists for crucial treatments, enabling out-of-hours care and facilitating remote assessments. This innovation is expected to significantly improve patient care, ensuring consistently high-quality treatment regardless of geographical location and addressing the current backlog of nearly 600,000 people awaiting specialist eye care on the NHS.