Cutting waiting times and preventing sight loss in England.
This brief presents key findings from the latest evidence and offers recommendations to expand and fully integrate optometry-led urgent eye care services across England.
The College joined the biggest national conversation about the NHS in England in order to keep eye health high on the agenda.
Our vision for better integrated eye care services
The College of Optometrists and the Optical Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC) call on the government to make a long-term commitment to primary eye care in its NHS 10-Year Health Plan as part of the shift from hospital to community.
The College of Optometrists welcomes Healthwatch England’s recommendations to commission more optometry services within primary care to reduce hospital waiting times and improve patient outcomes.
The College of Optometrists has responded to the Department of Health Northern Ireland consultation on improving access to Help with Health Costs for those receiving Universal Credit.
The College, The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) and the Federation of Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (FODO) back the Government’s commitment to put patients in the driving seat and give them more control and choice over their care.
Prime Minister has set out plans to end NHS England waiting list backlogs. Under the Elective Reform Plan, millions of patients will be able to access more appointments closer to home and get the treatment they need faster.
They are also calling for urgent implementation in Phase One of the 10 Year Plan.
Today the Prime Minister has responded to the Darzi Review - a rapid review to diagnose the problems in the NHS which sets out themes for the Government to incorporate into their 10-year plan for reforming the NHS in England.
The College of Optometrists is calling on the next Westminster government to establish optometrists as the first port of call for anyone with an eye care issue.