Royal College of Ophthalmologists calls for standardised EHRs

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists is leading a call for the national standardisation of electronic health records (EHRs) to improve access to care, enhance outcomes, and increase efficiencies across eye care services.

Organisations representing professionals in primary, secondary, NHS and independent care settings, including the College of Optometrists, Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN), and the Professional Record Standards Body (PRSB), are appealing for the consistent use of defined clinical data fields in EHRs to record patient histories.

In a position statement, published on 28 July 2025, says that the current fragmentation of EHR systems in eye care – characterised by data silos and poor interoperability – compromises patient safety and care continuity.

NHS trusts in England use at least 21 different EHR systems, many of which are unable to share critical information, according to research by Imperial College London.

Professor Ben Burton, president of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, said: “For some time now, we have recognised that joint working and standardisation are key to improving our patients’ experience, and we are pleased to be working in collaboration with professionals across different eye care settings.

“The current lack of standardisation causes delays to diagnoses and treatments for patients and increased workloads and inefficient working practices for optometrists and ophthalmologists.

“It is clear that change and innovation are needed, and we are encouraged to see this recognised by the government with the announcement of the single patient record (SPR) in the 10 year health plan.”

The position statement also flags that primary care optometrists face challenges accessing and updating EHRs and NHS IT systems, which can hinder communication and collaboration – especially when patients move between providers.

It says that this can result in delays to care, growing waiting lists, unnecessary referrals and duplication of tests, as well as raising the risk of misdiagnosis and treatment errors.

Dr Gillian Rudduck MCOptom, president of the College of Optometrists, said: “With primary care optometrists playing an important and growing role in the delivery of commissioned services and multidisciplinary shared care schemes, having access to standardised electronic health records is key to improving patient care and enabling effective referrals, data sharing and communication.

“We look forward to collaborating with commissioners, developers and eye care professionals to ensure these recommendations are implemented.”

The position statement recommends that policymakers commission eye care information standards based on datasets developed by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and the College of Optometrists.

It also calls for alignment of EHR systems with these standards and the necessary financial investment and training of staff to collect and input patient information into EHRs.

Dr Howard Freeman, clinical director at IHPN, said: “Accurate and up-to-date shared patient records are a vital part of delivering high quality care, and as a major provider of eye care for both NHS and private patients, the independent sector is pleased to be working with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists to support calls for the standardisation of electronic health care records – ensuring that patients experience seamless care, regardless of where they received it.”