10-Year Plan for Health is an “essential reset” that can bring eye care closer to home 

10-Year Plan for Health is an “essential reset” that can bring eye care closer to home

AOP welcomes ‘neighbourhood-led’ shift at the heart of the Government’s plan, but says it is critical investment flows into the primary care sector to deliver the results that patients need

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) has welcomed the publication of the 10-Year Plan for Health as an “essential reset” – and called on Government to act now and transform the public’s access to eye care as part of its commitment to delivering a ‘neighbourhood health service’ fit for the future.

Adam Sampson, AOP Chief Executive said: “Reform of the NHS is critical to its survival – and to ensuring the public get the care they need, when they need it. That’s why we welcome the Government’s Plan. It is a necessary starting point to address the waiting lists, the postcode lottery of care, and the health inequalities that are collectively eroding the public’s trust in the NHS.

“Greater emphasis on prevention and community-led care is not only essential – it is the right direction for delivering better outcomes for patients and future-proofing our healthcare system.

“We agree that a neighbourhood-led approach must be the cornerstone of change. It’s the only way to ensure hospitals can focus on the services only they can offer, while ensuring patients receive specialist, timely care.

“Nowhere is this shift more evident – or has more potential – than in eye care. The transition of services from hospital clinics to community optometry has already proven its value in Wales, Scotland and in parts of England including Gloucestershire.

“The Plan needs to be the firing gun for an essential reset, ensuring eye care services are available everywhere in England: a fairer system; based on need, not postcode.

“Of course, critical to the Plan’s success will be proper investment in the existing primary care services – supporting community-led optometry and our colleagues across pharmacy, dentistry and GPs – to deliver essential care for patients, closer to home.

“There’s much in the Plan to digest, including the role of local commissioning and the composition and remit of neighbourhood health teams. And there is much work to ensure the plan transitions from theory into the practical steps of delivery. We look forward to working with the Government, NHS leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure that community-led eye care plays a leading role in this transformation.”

Dr Peter Hampson, AOP Policy and Clinical Director added: “In eye care, the evidence is clear: moving services into the community works. It shortens waiting times, reduces demand on secondary care, is more cost effective for the NHS but most importantly delivers high-quality care for patients.

“As a sector with a proven track record of delivering care closer to home, we believe community optometry must be the first port of call for the public’s eye health and eye care. If the Government is serious about real transformation, connecting community optometry with neighbourhood health teams must be a priority.

“We will be closely reviewing the Government’s Plan in detail to assess its impact on eye care. This includes evaluating any areas of concern for members.

“A key consideration that we will be reviewing closely is how commissioning responsibilities for community services are organised – this is a challenge that has historically created postcode lotteries. Without national consistency, there is a risk that patients will continue to face fragmented care depending on where they live. We need a solution that looks forward, with primary care services front and centre – not backwards, reinventing old systems that did not work.

“But there is also much to be positive about. The Plan’s emphasis on digital innovation and prevention presents real opportunities for primary eye care. The explicit reference to integrating community-based professionals is a welcome sign that optometry may finally get the recognition and investment it deserves.

“Optometry is ready to play its part in delivering a modern NHS where care is closer to home, and patients come first.”

In December, the AOP published its commissioned report, produced by PA Consulting, Key interventions to transform eye care which sets out the clinical and socio-economic benefits of maximising the use of primary eye care and its benefits to public health, as well as the positive impact of General Ophthalmic Services (GOS).