Published 3 July 2025, the NHS 10-Year Health Plan outlines the Westminster Government’s bold vision for healthcare in England. For optometry, it presents an unprecedented opportunity – one we must not miss.

Encouragingly, many proposals echo long-standing priorities championed by The College of Optometrists. Optometry has long been ready to step up to the frontline of NHS care. Now, we must ensure the profession is central to delivering this vision.

At the heart of the Plan is a shift towards delivering more care outside hospitals. New Neighbourhood Health Centres will host multidisciplinary teams from across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.

This community-first model offers huge potential for eye care. Optical practices are already embedded in communities – accessible, well-equipped, and professionally staffed – making them ideal as first “neighbourhood” contact for eye health concerns. They should work alongside the new Neighbourhood Health Centres; there’s no need to reinvent or relocate them to be part of them. Enhanced services, including urgent and minor eye conditions, cataract post-op checks and glaucoma monitoring, are ready to scale. These reduce pressure on GPs and hospital departments and ensure faster, more convenient care.