Eye health highlighted at party conferences

Steve Barclay visiting the Specsavers stand (picture by Dominic Lipinski CCHQ Parsons Media)

The work of the community eye health sector was highlighted at the recent Labour and Conservative conferences – with health secretary Steve Barclay among hundreds of people visiting a Specsavers stand at both events.

Experts from Specsavers took the opportunity to engage with other senior politicians, journalists and organisations about how community optics and audiology services support the NHS and patients, including shadow health Secretary, Wes Streeting, and Welsh first minister, Mark Drakeford.

Overall, the eye and ear health of hundreds of people attending the conferences was checked by Specsavers optometrists and audiologists, using an OCT machine and an otoscope. The optometrist team referred several people on for further investigation.

Mark Drakeford (R) with Specsavers’ Paul Morris

“The role of prevention and primary care in the nation’s health were highlighted by politicians at both conferences – and community eye health and audiology are well placed to help deliver efficiencies in these areas,” said Giles Edmonds, clinical services director at Specsavers.

“So, it was fantastic to be able to talk to thousands of people about how our sector supports patients and the NHS, and how we are ready and able to do more. We shared our new Access to Care report, which sets out how the sector and government can work together to enable positive change.”

Access to eyecare for people experiencing homelessness was also discussed at fringe events, supported by Specsavers, at both conferences.

The meetings highlighted Specsavers’ partnerships with organisations such as Vision Care for Homeless People, the Big Issue and Crisis. Speakers included Specsavers practice partner Stephen Pratt and Big Issue vendor Will Payne – both who have lived experience of homelessness.