The College of Optometrists welcomes Healthwatch England’s recommendations to commission more optometry services within primary care to reduce hospital waiting times and improve patient outcomes
Professor Irene Ctori FCOptom, Vice-President of The College of Optometrists, commented: “Healthwatch England’s new report shines the spotlight on the unsustainable waiting times for ophthalmology treatment and the critical need for the NHS to deliver on its pledge to shift focus from secondary to primary care for eye care services in England. This will reduce hospital waiting times, reduce reliance on GPs, and enable patients to access the right eye care, at the right time, closer to home.
“The report also identifies the strong public support for optometrists to play a more significant role in helping those needing specialist eye care, demonstrating the public’s trust in their local optometrist. Optometrists have the necessary clinical skills to provide more NHS services than they are currently commissioned to do in England. The College of Optometrists has been championing better utilisation of optometrists and investment in the optometry workforce for many years. We must follow the lead of Wales and Scotland by commissioning more optometry services in primary care in England to improve patient care and prevent avoidable sight loss.
“The College also welcomes the report’s support for optometrists to be First Contact Practitioners. The findings demonstrate public support for expanding the role optometrists play in referring eye conditions and maintaining them following further consultation, enabling optometrists to provide a comprehensive primary eye care service for patients.”
