AOP expresses cautionary welcome to Welsh reforms 

AOP expresses cautionary welcome to Welsh reforms 

Funding model for eye care reform in Wales welcomed, but concerns need to be addressed urgently

AOP highlights worry over funding model announced as part of eye care reform programme in Wales

The Association of Optometrists welcomes the announcement of an ambitious eye care reform programme in Wales but has raised serious concerns over the proposed funding model.

On Monday 26 September, Health and Social Care Minister Elenud Morgan announced details of the reform that would take place over the next 18 months.
Responding to the news,

Adam Sampson, AOP Chief Executive, said: “We welcome the fee uplift which recognises the value of the clinical skills brought by optometry and the contribution of primary eye care to patient experience and outcomes.

“A move away from a reliance on retail to one of specialist clinical examinations is absolutely the right direction if we are to tackle the growing patient backlog in real terms. However, looking at the detail of the package presented there is some fundamental work that needs to be done to understand what the sector is being paid for, and whether that represents true value.

“An increased fee for the current service delivery is welcome. Our concern is that the fee is intended to cover a greatly expanded service. We need assurance that is not the case.

“An additional area of concern is for those members providing domiciliary services and if they will benefit from the uplift, as this is yet to be revealed in the plans.

“The reduced voucher value for some patient groups also represents a retrograde step that limits patient choice and access to eye healthcare. This is deeply concerning at a time when people are already struggling to make ends meet in a cost of living crisis.”