Trust goes live with dedicated ophthalmology EPR
Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust has gone live with a specialist electronic patient record (EPR) system for ophthalmology, marking a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey. The system, supplied by Medisoft, was deployed in March 2026, with the first phase focusing on a medical retina module before expanding to full functionality later in the month.
The implementation replaces largely paper-based workflows with a fully digital system designed specifically for eye care. This shift enables clinicians to capture, store and access patient data more efficiently, supporting faster and more informed clinical decision-making. The move reflects a broader NHS trend towards digitising specialty services, particularly in high-volume areas such as ophthalmology, where imaging and longitudinal patient tracking are critical.
From paper to digital imaging workflows
A central feature of the new system is the transition to a fully digital imaging workflow. Ophthalmology relies heavily on high-resolution images for diagnosis and monitoring of conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic eye disease. Clinicians at the trust report that the new platform enables quicker access to images and patient histories, improving both workflow efficiency and the quality of care delivered.
The system integrates seamlessly into clinical processes, allowing healthcare professionals to view diagnostic images, update records and manage patient pathways within a single interface. This reduces duplication and minimises the administrative burden associated with paper-based systems. Importantly, the digitisation of ophthalmology records also supports more consistent documentation, helping to standardise care delivery across the department.
Cross-trust collaboration and shared care model
A key aspect of the deployment is its collaborative design. The EPR is being shared with Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, creating a unified ophthalmology platform across both organisations. This shared system enables clinicians to access patient data across sites, improving continuity of care for patients who may receive treatment at multiple locations. It also supports more efficient use of resources, allowing trusts to align clinical practices and share expertise.
The approach reflects a growing trend within the NHS towards shared digital infrastructure, particularly within integrated care systems and provider collaboratives. By adopting common platforms, organisations can reduce variation, improve interoperability and scale innovation more effectively. In practical terms, the shared EPR allows clinicians and commissioners to access key data wherever it is needed, helping to streamline patient pathways and reduce delays in care.
Supporting standardisation and operational efficiency
Beyond clinical benefits, the new system is expected to deliver operational efficiencies. Digital workflows reduce reliance on physical records, minimise the risk of lost or incomplete data and enable faster information sharing between teams. The implementation was supported by training and on-site assistance, including “floorwalking” support during the go-live phase to help staff adapt to the new system. According to project leaders, the collaborative rollout ensured that the system was tailored to user needs while minimising disruption to frontline services.
The deployment also highlights the increasing role of specialist EPR systems in complementing broader hospital digital platforms. While many trusts are investing in enterprise-wide EPRs, niche solutions like ophthalmology systems provide the depth of functionality required for specific clinical domains. Notably, the rollout means that fewer than five NHS trusts in England still rely predominantly on paper-based processes in ophthalmology, signalling near-complete digitisation of the specialty nationwide.
A step forward in NHS digital maturity
The Royal Surrey initiative illustrates how targeted digital investment can transform specific areas of care while contributing to wider NHS modernisation goals. Ophthalmology is one of the busiest outpatient specialties in the NHS, and improving data management in this area has the potential to deliver significant gains in efficiency, patient experience and clinical outcomes.
By combining specialist functionality with cross-organisational collaboration, the new EPR system offers a model for how digital tools can support more integrated and standardised care delivery. As the NHS continues to expand its digital capabilities, initiatives like this demonstrate the importance of aligning technology with clinical workflows, ensuring that innovation translates into tangible improvements for both patients and healthcare professionals.
