Single Point of Access

We are delighted to share that the Single Point of Access (SPoA) in Ophthalmology has now officially launched across East Cheshire, West Cheshire, St Helens, Knowsley and Halton. 

 

The SPoA now provides a single, streamlined route for all ophthalmology referrals, ensuring patients are directed swiftly and appropriately to the right service — whether that’s hospital eye care or community optometry. 

 

Background:

In 2024, Cheshire and Merseyside piloted SPoA for all Ophthalmology referrals in Cheshire East, Cheshire West, Halton, St Helens and Knowsley. Following a competitive procurement process, Primary Eyecare Services were selected as the provider for this service. The initial pilot launched in July 2024 and concluded in June 2025.

 

Following the success of this initial pilot, the Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board (ICB) have decided to re-launch the pilot across the original footprint (Cheshire East, Cheshire West, Halton, St Helens and Knowsley) and further expand into the remaining 4 Places across Cheshire and Merseyside (Liverpool, Warrington, Sefton and Wirral) through a phased approach. Today, with the launch in East Cheshire, West Cheshire, St Helens, Knowsley and Halton, the first phase has been successfully achieved. 

 

Why this matters:

Demand for ophthalmology services continues to rise, particularly as a result of an ageing population and the prevalence of chronic eye conditions. The SPoA model supports the NHS Long Term Plan to redesign outpatient services, harness digital technology and deliver more care within the community.

 

With the introduction of Single Point of Access, we aim to deliver: 

 

  • For patients: Faster access, community-based appointments and improved outcomes.

  • For clinicians: Streamlined referrals, enhanced communication and reduced admin.

  • For the system: More efficient use of capacity, shorter waiting lists, and greater overall efficiency.

 

Key dates:

  • Monday 3rd November 2025 – launch across initial footprint in East Cheshire, West Cheshire, St Helens, Knowsley and Halton (now live)

  • Monday 1st December 2025 – launch in Liverpool and Warrington

  • Monday 12th January 2026 – launch in Sefton and Wirral

 

What this means:

All GOS 18 referrals should now be sent to the SPoA. When referring a patient, you will notice a new option on OPERA to select the SPoA. Any referrals where a specific provider is chosen in practice will be redirected into the SPoA. 

 

This process applies to all routine and urgent ophthalmology referrals. Emergency referrals should continue to follow established local emergency pathways without change. 

 

Direct referrals to community eye care services do not need to go through the SPoA, so referrals for services such as pre-cataract, CUES and GRR should continue as before. 

 

Each referral will be clinically triaged by a team of specialist optometrists. Referrals will then be directed to the most appropriate service, which may include enhanced community services like CUES or secondary care services. In some cases, referrals may be returned to the referrer with advice and guidance, or if further information is required to determine the most suitable pathway for the patient. 

 

Following triage, patients will be offered a choice of provider. They will receive a text and/or letter with a link to select their chosen provider and a dedicated helpline is available for any queries or additional support. 

 

This patient choice arrangement also applies to those who have been through an enhanced community service and are subsequently referred on to secondary care. 

 

 

Support and resources:

  • A pre-recorded launch session for those areas which participated in phase 1 of the pilot is located: HERE

  • Service Summary: HERE

  • A full launch event for those areas which did not participate in phase 1 of the pilot will be arranged in the coming weeks

  • Help page and FAQ’s located: HERE

 

Your role as community optometrists is central to this new model. By working together we can provide patients with faster access, better outcomes and joined up care across the system. Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to improving eye health in our communities.