The Association of Optometrists (AOP) has welcomed the publication of the 10-Year Plan for Health as an “essential reset” – and called on Government to act now and transform the public’s access to eye care as part of the Prime Minister’s commitment to delivering a ‘neighbourhood health service’ fit for the future.

Adam Sampson, AOP Chief Executive said: “Reform of the NHS is critical to its future, and the future of the public’s health. That’s why we welcome the Government’s Plan. It is necessary starting point to address the waiting lists, the postcode lottery of care, and the health inequalities that are collectively eroding the public’s trust in the NHS.

“Greater emphasis on prevention and community-led care is not only essential – it is the right direction for delivering better outcomes for patients and future proofing our healthcare system.

“Nowhere is this shift more evident – or more successful – than in eye care, where we have the premises, the equipment and the clinical workforce to make ‘neighbourhood health’ a reality. The public does not need to wait 10 more years for this change – we’re poised to free up over one million NHS appointments as soon as the Government gives the green light.

“The transition of services from hospital clinics to community optometry has already proven its value in Wales, Scotland and in parts of England. The Plan needs to be the firing gun for an essential reset, ensuring eye care services are available everywhere in England: a fairer system; based on need, not postcode.

“Of course, critical to the Plan’s success will be proper investment in the existing primary care services – supporting community-led optometry and our colleagues across pharmacy, dentistry and GPs – as well as improvement to IT connectivity, to deliver essential care for patients, closer to home.

“It’s time to look forward, and to make sure successful services already delivered in the community are accessible to everyone, everywhere in England.”

In December, the AOP published its commissioned report, produced by PA Consulting, Key interventions to transform eye care which sets out the clinical and socio-economic benefits of maximising the use of primary eye care and its benefits to public health, as well as the positive impact of NHS sight testing through the General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) contract.