ABDO welcomes NHS Long Term Workforce Plan

Published on 30 June in its 75th year, the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan has acknowledged the part that primary eyecare providers can play in delivering additional eyecare services and improving patient outcomes.

The publication represents the first time the government has asked the NHS to deliver a comprehensive workforce plan, described by NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard, as “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to put staffing on a sustainable footing and improve patient care”.

The plan recognises that “primary eyecare providers have the knowledge and skills required to deliver more eyecare services in the community. Working closely with secondary care specialists and using technological innovation, such as digitally enabled image sharing, to deliver more eyecare services on the High Street could help alleviate pressure in general practice and hospital eye services, and improve patient outcomes”.

Commenting on the publication, ABDO CEO Alistair Bridge, said: “ABDO welcomes the publication of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan and its recognition of the role of primary eyecare practitioners.

“Dispensing opticians have a key role to play and much to contribute within primary eyecare, as often they are the first clinician a patient will encounter on arriving in practice and are well placed to advise and support patients with their eye health needs.

“We look forward to working with our colleagues in the sector to support an NHS that’s fit for the future,” added Alistair.