AOP responds to the announcement that NHS England will be abolished

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) has responded to the announcement that NHS England will be abolished.

Adam Sampson, Chief Executive of the AOP, said: “It is clear that the NHS has not been getting the basics right. The public rightly want an NHS that works for them but their trust in the system has been eroded.

“Fundamental change is needed. With a growing crisis of longer waiting lists, staff shortages and funding constraints – the time for reform is long overdue. This moment presents a serious reset of the health fundamentals in England and the opportunity to deliver on the Government’s commitment to the three big shifts, in particular moving care from hospital to community settings.

“Crucially, this reform must deliver on Lord Darzi’s call for a rebalancing of investment from secondary to primary care – including optometry – to ensure a more integrated, accessible, and resilient system that delivers for the public.

“Our work over the past year, including our co-commissioned PA report, has highlighted that the opportunity to do things differently is very much within our grasp. We believe that ensuring eye care is part of a transformed primary care service is essential to meet the rising demand for health care of a growing, ageing population, and shift to a prevention-led service that will help to keep people well and grow the economy.

“It is fair to say our evidence-based calls for extending the role of community optometry have been met with a combination of disinterest and resistance by some key individuals in NHS England; indeed, their preferred direction of travel seems to be to concentrate more rather than less of the limited eye care spend in the hands of hospitals. As politicians of all persuasions have agreed today, this change will remove some of the blockers to the transformation of our health services.

“We look forward to working with the government to ensure the 10-Year Health Plan is a success, bringing care closer to home and creating a prevention-led, digital health service that is fit for the future. It's time for action to rebuild public trust and deliver on the Government’s vision; a healthcare system that works for all.”

NHS England was set up to provide arms-length operational independence for the NHS from government. The news follows the resignation of Amanda Pritchard, NHS England Chief Executive at the end of February.

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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 020 7549 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