Dear Optical Colleagues,
In an increasingly integrated and collaborative health system, it is very useful for optical practice teams to understand the services available elsewhere in the primary care health system. You may have heard about the recent launch of Pharmacy First which enables community pharmacists to assess patients and supply medicines in certain circumstances.
Pharmacy First can be used for the following conditions:
| Condition | Applicable age / sex group |
| Acute Otitis Media | 1-17 years |
| Impetigo | 1 year and over |
| Infected insect bites | 1 year and over |
| Shingles | 18 years and over |
| Sore throat | 5 years and over |
| Uncomplicated UTI | Women 16-64 years |
Of course, patients don’t come to optical practices to enquire about these conditions, but they do discuss their general health with optometrists and dispensing opticians and often chat about their health experiences more generally. Please share this information with your teams so that they know about Pharmacy First and can use it for themselves, for their families, and to help signpost patients where possible.
I have linked a poster which could be used on your intranet, email newsletters, or staff room walls.
Further resources are available on the CPLSC website CPLSC Pharmacy First Resources – cplsc (communitypharmacy.org.uk). designed mainly for the teams in medical practices and pharmacies.
Kind Regards,
Tom Mackley
Local Professional Network Chair for Eye Health
Primary & Integrated Neighbourhood Care
Lancashire & South Cumbia Integrated Care Board
