ABDO, the College of Optometrists and FODO, the Association for Eyecare Providers, have issued a joint statement backing the government’s commitment to give patients more control and choice over their care.
The optical bodies responded collaboratively as the government announced key moves to enable patients more power over how and when they receive elective treatment, including an upgraded NHS app, a new independent sector agreement as part of plans to tackle waiting lists and give patients greater choice, and details of a new Elective Reform Plan by NHS England to meet an 18-week referral to treatment target by the end of the current parliament.
“To deliver this vision for all patients in England, it is vital for more care to be delivered out of hospital and closer to home,” the optical bodies stated.
“Without this change, hospitals will continue to struggle to meet the needs of our ageing population and patients will continue to suffer avoidable harm.
“Primary eyecare is ready to work with the government and NHS England to make this much needed change a reality. In all communities across England, optometrists and dispensing opticians have the core clinical skills and infrastructure in place to treat more patients and help prevent avoidable sight loss owing to delays in hospital care.
“It is essential that primary eyecare is fully utilised as part of the government’s reform plans for elective care for the benefits of patients. By delivering more eyecare services in High Street optical practices, we can ensure that patients go to hospital only when they need to – and are then seen more quickly.
“This will be better for patients and better for the NHS and taxpayers.”