AOP responds to Amanda Pritchard resignation

Amanda Pritchard will step down as NHS England Chief Executive at the end of the month, as Secretary of State, Wes Streeting, leads an overhaul of the NHS.

Responding to the announcement, Adam Sampson, Chief Executive of the Association of Optometrists (AOP) said:

“The NHS is undeniably at a critical juncture. We have heard from the Secretary of State and Lord Darzi that the NHS is broken and needs fixing urgently. We face a growing crisis of longer waiting lists, staff shortages and increasingly stretched resources. But we also know this is a moment where real change can happen, with clear consensus around the Government’s three big shifts in health – including the critical role of primary care providers.

“Delivering the 10-Year Health Plan, alongside the Spending Review, will be crucial in shaping the future of the healthcare system. Optometrists are ready to play a larger, more enhanced role in a transformed and integrated primary care service. Findings from our commissioned PA Consulting report demonstrate that community optometry already provides huge value to the NHS, and can deliver even more if utilised consistently, across the UK to alleviate pressure on GPs and hospitals, cut wait times, as well as preventative care that enables better eye health outcomes for the public.

“Structural reform will be vital if we are really to see a shift in focus from hospital to community, and to a model of preventative health. We, alongside the pharmacists, dentists and GPs, look forward to working collaboratively with NHS England, under the leadership of interim CEO Jim Mackey, to deliver on this vision and the Government’s priorities for the NHS.”

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For more information, please contact Serena Box, Head of Media, PR and External Affairs, at the Association of Optometrists, [email protected] or telephone 0207 549 2040.

Notes to Editors

Association of Optometrists

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is the voice of the optical profession, representing 80% of practising optometrists. The AOP elevates the work of its members, safeguards their interests, and champions eye health across the UK. For more information, visit www.aop.org.uk