An audience of more than 60 people met in Cheshire to discuss ophthalmology services across the north west, and the forthcoming GIRFT national report on the specialty.

Delegates at the event, which was organised by the GIRFT north west hub team in Ellesmere Port, heard presentations outlining good practice from across the region, ranging from turnarounds in cataract and macular degeneration services to a discussion on the role of non-medical practitioners.

The keynote presentation was delivered by GIRFT’s co-clinical lead for ophthalmology, Alison Davis, who took the audience through the GIRFT process and some of the draft recommendations in the report.

Alison said: “I was delighted to see providers and commissioners in the room together and was impressed at the level of conversation taking place during our breakout sessions. I hope these conversations continue long past the event and go some way to maintaining high-quality, sustainable ophthalmology services throughout the north west.”

Nicola Harris, GIRFT NW implementation manager, added: “The large turnout and participation of everyone in the room really speaks to the commitment to having the best possible ophthalmology services across the region. I’m looking forward to supporting trusts in implementing the recommendations from the national report in the months ahead.”