Overwhelming support for NHS funded community urgent eye care service in England

Overwhelming support for NHS funded community urgent eye care service in England

GP and hospital appointments would be freed up by a nationwide NHS funded Community Urgent Eye Care Service (CUES) in England delivered by the primary eye care sector – and win overwhelming public support.

Research released to coincide with National Eye Health Week (23-29 September) has revealed that 94% of people would be likely to use an NHS funded urgent eye health check if it was available to them. Currently, there is a postcode lottery when it comes to availability of CUEs in England.

‘Patients in the areas where such NHS services are commissioned can be seen for conditions such red or painful eyes, recently occurring flashes and floaters, recent and sudden loss of vision. A nationally commissioned NHS urgent eye health service in England would end this postcode lottery,’ says Paul Morris, Specsavers director of professional advancement.

‘It would also save hospital and GP appointments, easing pressure on them. That would be good news for patients, the wider health service and the country. We have already seen the positive benefits of eye health innovation in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.’

The survey of almost 1,500 people across a cross-section of society also reveals that 55% of people have faced difficulties speaking to or seeing their GP when they have a health issue or concern – with more than one in 10 waiting more than a month.

‘Primary care optometrists already provide access to vital eye care, supporting the NHS, but also stand ready and able to do even more to support the nation’s eye health,’ says Mr Morris.

‘National Eye Health Week is a good time to be talking about this, which has enhanced primary eye care services as one of its themes. Patients would also welcome enhanced primary care optical services as this research show,’ he says.

Mr Morris adds that Specsavers is proud to sponsor National Eye Health Week. ‘It’s a great opportunity for our sector to talk to patients and policy makers about critical eye health messages, the importance of regular eye tests and how we are going the extra mile for the nation’s health.

‘Nearly one in four people don’t access regular care, so National Eye Health Week is an important opportunity for us to talk about the importance of eye health and regular eye tests.

‘Colleagues from Specsavers practices will also be visiting schools to educate young people about eye health. Most very young children have their eyesight assessed as part of routine developmental checks. While these are very important, they aren’t as thorough as a complete eye test by a qualified optometrist.

‘We recommend that your child has their eyes tested from an early age. Even if your child’s vision seems good, it’s worth taking them for a full eye test at a qualified optometrist when they reach school age, just to make sure that there aren’t any issues with their vision that are likely to affect their early school years.’

Mr Morris adds: ‘Specsavers is collaborating with charities and other organisations to promote key messages. Articles featuring key eye health messages will also appear in national and regional media.’