AOP supports Healthwatch England’s call

AOP supports Healthwatch England’s call for increased investment in “essential” eye care to protect the public

Latest report says NHS funding pressures on eye care providers needs to be tackled in order to help people on the lowest incomes access the care they need

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) has welcomed Healthwatch England’s latest report, Seeing clearly? Attending sight tests and accessing opticians, which calls on the government to review support for the cost of NHS eye care for those on the lowest incomes.

The findings from Healthwatch build on an earlier report, published in March, which showed strong public support for the role of optometrists who work in High Street opticians and a desire for them to do more.

The latest report further demonstrates the value of the services available in High Street opticians to the public, with Healthwatch calling on the NHS to “bring forward plans to increase the role of optometrists in care and treatment.”

Those struggling financially are more likely to delay essential sight tests because of the perceived costs of additional eye care services, compared to those who are financially more secure, the report concludes. The report adds that the real terms value of NHS optical vouchers has dropped by over 30% in recent years.

The Healthwatch report is based on feedback from 2,568 patients, with nearly one in seven saying that they are avoiding eye care appointments in the last two years due to the perceived cost.

Chief Executive of the AOP, Adam Sampson said: “No one should have to choose between paying for the basics like rent and food, and accessing eye care. Healthwatch makes it clear that NHS funding has failed to keep pace with reality, leaving both patients and optometrists in an increasingly untenable position.

“We know how much pressure the NHS is under. Our co-commissioned PA Consulting report showed that optometrists are already providing excellent services, and can go further and faster to provide the clinical support needed to help cut waiting times and improve patient outcomes, via a network of 6,000 High Street optical practices across the UK. This shift will not be possible if the real terms decline in NHS sight test fees funding and optical voucher values continues to erode the sector’s resilience – preventing optometry from delivering greater value for patients and the NHS.

“The latest Healthwatch report highlights that the 69% of respondents who had attended an eye test in the last two years described receiving good quality care and clear communication from staff in High Street optical practices. Part of this experience is offering additional services such as 3D retinal imaging (OCT), which is only possible because of optometrists’ commitment to improved patient care delivered locally. Our data show that the transforming potential of OCT in community settings has the potential to release over 211,000 hospital eye service appointments per year, and we call on the government to adopt this intervention as part of a plan for eye care in England.

“As a member of the Optical Fees Negotiating Committee, we have long emphasised that a properly resourced primary care system could further reduce hospital admissions, cut waiting lists, and ensure timely, patient-centred care. The current delay in the latest GOS fee announcements, coupled with the announced freezing of optical voucher values in England, risks further degrading the sector’s ability to care for the public – including those on the lowest incomes.

“This is not an isolated concern. In Wales, there has been a reduction in the value of some NHS vouchers under the new General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) contract, hitting those on the lowest incomes, which we have called out as a mistake.

“Our research has highlighted the growing impact of the cost of living crisis in particular. Our data shows that many are struggling to afford the eye care they need and are entitled to receive. This Healthwatch report is another stark reminder that urgent government intervention is needed to prevent avoidable irreversible sight loss from conditions like glaucoma. We support calls for the Department of Health and Social Care to increase funding for NHS eye care costs, ensuring that those on low incomes can access vital services with confidence, and enabling optometrists to play a full role in delivering high-quality care that is closer to home.”

The AOP’s Cost of living campaign works to improve access to eye care for people that are experiencing financial strain. For more information on eligibility for an NHS-funded sight test in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, visit www.aop.org.uk/costofliving.

The College of Optometrists also welcomes recommendations to increase support for NHS eye care costs

Sarah Cant, Director of Policy and Strategy, The College of Optometrists, commented: “The College of Optometrists welcomes Healthwatch England’s recommendations to increase the support available for people on low incomes so that they can meet the costs of eye care, a vital step toward making eye care more accessible and affordable for people across England.  We also support their call for a government-funded targeted public awareness campaign to encourage more people to have regular eye tests.

“It’s concerning that Healthwatch England’s report has found some patients are voluntarily avoiding essential eye care due to rising costs and insufficient financial support. This not only puts individuals at risk of avoidable sight loss but also deepens health inequalities, particularly affecting children and vulnerable adults who depend most on NHS support.

“The Department of Health and Social Care’s decision for 2025/26 to freeze NHS optical voucher values and only increase GOS fees by inflation will contribute to this under-funding. It undermines efforts to promote eye health and maintain equitable access to essential services. Regular eye examinations by qualified optometrists play a key role in detecting early signs of eye disease and preserving sight, and financial barriers should not stand in the way of patients getting this vital care. Without adequate funding, optical practices will struggle to maintain services—reducing access for those who need it most.

“However, we are disappointed that HealthWatch England was not aware of the existing guidelines and standards that all primary eye care clinicians are expected to follow. Optometrists are committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care, as outlined in the General Optical Council’s Standards of Practice and the College’s Guidance for Professional Practice. They are expected to ensure patients receive clinically justified care and clear, transparent information about services and costs – and should be trusted to do so.”