Utilising community eye healthcare to achieve national health goals

Utilising community eye healthcare to achieve national health goals

Giles Edmonds, clinical services director at Specsavers, looks back on 2025 and shares insights for 2026:

‘The publication of the government’s 10 Year Plan for the NHS in England in 2025 marked a significant milestone. The ambition to shift more care out of hospital and into the community, and to focus on prevention not just treatment, was hugely welcome.

‘But inconsistent commissioning of NHS eye health and audiology services in England continues to act as a barrier to unleashing the full potential of our sector to deliver the government’s ambitions and improve access to care for patients.

‘So, we’ve redoubled our efforts to educate politicians and policymakers about the vital role that primary care and community eye and hearing care services already play in the wider health system. We’re also campaigning for changes needed to ensure everyone can access the eye and hearing care they need in their local community.

‘That’s why Specsavers published our 2025 Access to Care report, which highlights examples of community-led services already making care more accessible for patients. Drawing on examples from across Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and England, the report illustrates how these initiatives relieve pressure on hospitals, support those needing urgent eye and glaucoma treatment, and deliver timely assistance for age-related hearing loss.

‘It also calls attention to postcode lotteries in healthcare – stemming from uneven NHS commissioning – and advocates for collaboration to create a stronger health system for both patients and the nation by scaling up what is already working in some areas. Specsavers took this mission to autumn political party conferences and will continue engaging on these points with policymakers into 2026.

‘I also want to pay tribute to our community practice and domiciliary teams who continue to deliver great care and serve as an invaluable example of success in our discussions with government. Thank you. remains dedicated to supporting a robust supply of optometrists, dispensing opticians, audiologists, and wider practice teams to serve local communities. We focus on ongoing professional development, both within Specsavers and across the sector, preparing our workforce to meet future demands.

‘However, workforce development is just one aspect. Sound policy decisions and implementation are equally essential. Planning has too often been shaped mainly by hospital-centred approaches. Including community and primary care experts – such as optometrists, dispensing opticians and audiologists – from the very beginning would mark real progress.

‘Creating national frameworks for core community eye and hearing services give providers the confidence to invest in training and innovation, ensuring that all patients receive consistent, high-quality care. Our engagement with policymakers on these matters will continue through 2026, especially with upcoming elections in Scotland and Wales.

‘As we look forward to 2026, governments across the UK have a chance to realise the potential of community optometry and audiology, supporting their ambitions for public health. We’re ready to play our part.’