Primary Eyecare Services, a not-for-profit provider, has reached a major national milestone – supporting more than one million patient assessments in a single year.
Delivered during 2025/26, the achievement highlights the growing role of community-based, not-for-profit care in improving access for patients while supporting the NHS to work differently.
Operating across more than 800 neighbourhoods and in partnership with multiple Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), Primary Eyecare Services works with local optometry practices to provide timely, high‑quality eye care closer to home. The one‑million milestone reflects care delivered at scale — without losing its local focus.
Every assessment represents a patient getting the right care, from the right professional, in the right place — helping to reduce pressure on other parts of the health system and supporting the ambitions of the NHS 10‑Year Plan.
Lisa Gibson, Clinical Director at Primary Eyecare Services, said: “Reaching one million patient assessments is a powerful demonstration of what not-for-profit, community-based eye care can deliver. Every assessment represents a patient seen quickly and expertly closer to home and is a credit to the dedication of our colleagues and partners across England. It reflects the shared purpose and collaboration that drives everything we do, and the real difference we are making for patients, communities and the NHS.”
As demands for services continues to grow, Primary Eyecare Services remains committed to expanding access to timely urgent eye care for patients and delivering high-quality care where it is needed most. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication, expertise and collaboration of colleagues, local optometry practices and NHS partners, with every role across the organisation contributing to this milestone – from frontline patient care to service design, operations, quality, digital innovation, data and workforce support.
Dharmesh Patel, Chief Executive Officer of Primary Eyecare Services added: “Behind each of these one million patient assessments is a person who needed timely, accessible care and a system that came together to make that happen. This milestone belongs to our colleagues across Primary Eyecare Services, local optometry practices, and our partners across the NHS who share a commitment to working differently for patients. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together, delivering impact at scale, and improving lives by supporting more patients than ever before.”
