between opticians services and the NHS.
The optical sector has welcomed the new research showing how a new optical contract and better funding could make rapid progress towards the goals set out in the "Our health, our care our say" White paper.
The latest research examines in detail the current NHS private partnership for primary eye care services and the market in England for a new eye care contract backed by realistic funding that reflects the true cost of providing the service. A new contractual framework is crucial to allocate realistic investment in vital optical services and to expand primary eye care services to take some of the burden away from hospitals.
Key findings of the report are:
- The sector is highly competitive. Prices have deflated whilst quality and access for customers have improved over many years
- There are many new opportunities in improving services, particular for patients with long-term medical conditions
- There have been considerable gains in the access and service in more deprived areas with many points of access throughout the country
- The sector has provided improved value for the NHS. The sight test fee at £18.39 is well below the cost of providing the test (£37)
- The subsidisation of the sight test fee has not been an example of good practice in government contracting
- The current sight test entitlement system maximizes choice and competition
- A new contract would be the start of a very positive development in which we are likely to see more innovation and more new services
- Realistic pricing and markets open to new providers and new services would be the essential pre-conditions for further progress. A new, expanded GOS contract would be an early success area for the new pluralism which is at the heart of government’s new policies for the NHS
Professor Bosanquet’s report comes at a crucial time for optics. The Health Bill is currently before Parliament, the review of General Ophthalmic Services in England is starting soon and the outcome of the Foster review of professional regulation is not yet known. This independent report will be a vital contribution to those debates.
Drawing on a wide range of evidence and official government information, the report concludes that a new contract for eye care is essential and must be supported by realistic funding which should cover both a national agreed schedule for sight test fees and other primary eye care services and a schedule of payments for enhanced services.
Commenting, Professor Bosanquet said:
“My findings support those of the first report of the National Eye Care Services Steering Group in 2004. There are some quick and easy wins here in health terms for the Government. For relatively modest investment in primary eye care services, significant health gains can be achieved including for patients with long-term conditions plus significant capacity gains in the hospital sector. Optics is an exemplar of how services should work under ‘Our Health, Our Care, Our Say’.”
A joint statement from the optical representative bodies said:
“We welcome this important piece of research. The health and economic benefits of primary eye care in maintaining eye health, preventing blindness and early detection of diseases like diabetes, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration are self evident. However, unlike their counterparts in Wales and Scotland, the Department of Health and NHS have been reluctant to prioritise eye health in England in a similar way A proper national framework is crucial to bring about these changes and we are keen to work with the Department to achieve that.”