18 March 2025

Improving access to eye care: College responds to Northern Ireland Health Consultation

Consultations New models of care Policy Public health Northern Ireland

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.

Our response shows how the College is continuing to highlight the challenges some low-income groups of people face in Northern Ireland when accessing eye care. Having previously written to the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health Northern Ireland in November and December 2023, the College is encouraged by this consultation to bring forward legislation to address the issue. 

Optometrists across Northern Ireland provide members of their local communities with vital routine Health Service (HS) sight tests and enhanced services, and the move to Universal Credit mustn't prevent the most vulnerable from accessing essential primary care optometry services.

“Regardless of which of the two options the Department of Health Northern Ireland opts for, we believe there should be a public health awareness campaign about the importance of sight tests and eligibility to the Health Service (HS) funded eye care, including to children and the elderly. This is particularly important in ensuring that the most vulnerable groups in society have equitable access to eye care, and that the risk of avoidable slight loss is minimised.”

Professor Kathryn Saunders PhD BSc FCOptom, Trustee and College Council member - Northern Ireland

Although it is beyond the scope of the College to advise on what level of income should be used to determine eligibility for a Health Service (HS) sight test, the response puts forward some important points that we have asked the Department of Health Northern Ireland to consider.

Find out more

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