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An exciting initiative has been launched to set up local vision plans which will improve eye health and sight loss services in England.

EPIC (Engagement, Partnership, Information, Communication) is a three-year project funded by the Department of Health which supports the aims of UK Vision Strategy.

Worcestershire, North Essex and North of Tyne have been chosen as the first of 23 pilot areas that will develop local vision strategies as part of project.

Andy McGregor, optometric adviser for NHS North of Tyne, working on behalf of Newcastle Primary Care Trust (PCT), North Tyneside PCT and Northumberland Care Trust, said: "We are delighted to be able to work with our partners to develop a strategy that will benefit visually impaired people in the North of Tyne, and may also assist other local areas across the UK."

EPIC represents a unique opportunity for local organisations to join up local service delivery, pool resources, and develop innovative local delivery solutions that reflect local need. The commitment to this philosophy by the initial pilot areas is already evident with the joining together of service users, statutory and voluntary sectors.
Kathy Flegg, Primary Care Commissioning Manager at NHS North East Essex,
said: "We see this as an excellent opportunity to work with a wide variety of partnership groups concerned with eye health to develop a strategy that will deliver and improve current services to be effective and sustainable for the population of North East Essex."

Jenny Gage, Chief Executive of Sight Concern, Worcestershire, said, "We are delighted to be selected. As a voluntary sector organisation we have long term relationships with many people affected by sight loss. They come to trust us and feel comfortable discussing the challenges they face, which puts us in a good position to advise and assist our partner organisations."

Anita Lightstone, UK Vision Strategy Programme Director, said, "The UK Vision Strategy is unique in uniting such a diverse range of organisations in a common aim. The EPIC Project will help to bring them together at a local level - where it really counts."

North Essex, North of Tyne and Worcestershire will begin planning their local vision strategies in February, and aim to begin the implementation stage by summer 2010. Opportunities for other local areas to take part in the project will be advertised during summer 2010 and in early 2011.

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