College responds to the publication of the Neighbourhood Health Framework for England
The government has progressed its commitment to moving more care from hospitals to communities.
“We are pleased to see the Westminster government progress its commitment to moving more care from hospitals into communities through the publication of its Neighbourhood Health Framework. However, it’s shocking they have yet again left out optometrists and dispensing opticians and missed the opportunity to highlight the importance of primary eye care to help achieve their goals.
“As one of the four pillars of primary care, optometrists are already located in the heart of neighbourhoods and can complement Neighbourhood Health Centres without relocation. Optical practices are accessible, well-equipped, and staffed by skilled professionals, making them ideal as the first point of call for eye health concerns. Optometrists should be formally integrated into neighbourhood-level multidisciplinary teams. Their inclusion facilitates early detection, triage and management of eye conditions within the community, improving care coordination and patient outcomes.
“The government should be directing ICBs to commission enhanced optometry services as part of the new neighbourhood hubs, in line with their objective of local partnerships to improve routine healthcare services and proactive care and to deliver better alternatives to hospital care in communities.”
Dr Gillian Rudduck MCOptom, President of The College of Optometrists, commented,