3 December 2024

College urges eye health to be prioritised in its response to NHS 10-Year Plan

The College joined the biggest national conversation about the NHS in England in order to keep eye health high on the agenda.

Dr Gillian Rudduck MCOptom, President of The College of Optometrists

“This is a critical moment to shape future NHS eye care services delivery to ensure we end the ongoing eye health crisis in England. Optometrists have the necessary clinical skills to provide more NHS services than they are currently commissioned to perform, and our current health system in England isn’t using their skills to their full potential.

“By implementing the government’s three big shifts for the NHS in England and prioritising eye care services in the first phase of the 10-Year Health Plan, optometrists can help cut the long waiting times for hospital eye care, reduce the reliance on local GPs, and help preserve people’s sight and independence for longer."

Related further reading

This paper gives a review of the people who access domiciliary eye care in the UK based on a large cohort of electronic records.

Independent MP – and independent optometrist – Shockat Adam talks about his first six months in Parliament and how he is bringing eye health care to the national stage.

Jane Veys MCOptom on why planning is the cornerstone of success