Policy news update from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales

The College was also pleased to collaborate with Optometry Northern Ireland, along with ABDO, AOP and FODO, to contribute to their response to the call for evidence from the Department of Health. This was to help shape the development of a new neighbourhood model for primary, community and social care in Northern Ireland.  

The response highlighted five recent successful eye care projects from across the nation to inform the model’s development, including: 

• NIPEARS (Northern Ireland Primary Eyecare Assessment and Referral Service) 
• NIPEARS Plus 
• Glaucoma Referral Refinement 
• Post Operative Cataract Care in community 
• Ocular Hypertension and Glaucoma Care Pathway

The response highlighted that optical practices are accessible in local communities, well-equipped, and staffed by skilled eye care professionals, making them an ideal first port of call for eye health concerns. Proper investment in workforce development and digital integration and empowering optometrists to work to their full scope are essential to prevent avoidable sight loss and deliver better outcomes for all.  

In September, College CEO Ian Humphreys and Council Member Kathryn Saunders attended an event in Stormont organised by Optometry Northern Ireland in Belfast to discuss improving access to eye care. The event received strong engagement from Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Permanent Secretary Mike Farrar. A bilateral meeting with Andy Allen MLA also took place, where he expressed strong support for the College’s work. 

The College of Optometrists has welcomed the Welsh Parliament’s inquiry report, which rightly highlights the significant impact that reforms in primary care optometry have had in releasing capacity in secondary care. We are pleased to see organisational reform of primary care optometry recognised as one of the Welsh Government’s four key priorities, with over 3,000 appointments per month now being managed in the community, contributing towards the Cabinet Secretary’s target of 30,000 appointments per year. 

The College supports the development of a strategic, cross-professional workforce plan, including optometry, to ensure services are sustainable and meet future patient needs. The UK Eye Care Data Hub provides the right tool for commissioners and HEIW to understand local demand, forecast workforce requirements, and plan services effectively. 

We also support the recommended full roll out of the national digital eye care electronic patient record and referral system by March 2026, which is critical for transforming eye care delivery. Improved digital and IT connectivity will ensure patients receive timely, high-quality care closer to home. We look forward to working with the Welsh Government and health boards to improve eye health outcomes across Wales over the coming year.