Eye care everywhere: Parliamentarians support calls for fair access to eye care as part of new AOP campaign

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) has secured cross-party support for its latest campaign calling for access to eye care services via High Street optometry for everyone in England, taking growing pressure off GPs and A&E. At a Parliamentary drop-in event on Tuesday 28 April in Westminster, MPs were given the opportunity to understand how primary eye care improves patient access, supports the NHS and delivers timely care close to home.

Co-sponsored by Liberal Democrat Spokespeople, Helen Morgan MP and Helen Maguire MP, the session offered parliamentarians an overview of eye care services available in their constituencies, including the level of provision delivered by local High Street practices. MPs were presented with insight into how services are improving outcomes for their constituents, and what is required to ensure every community in England can benefit from the same level of accessible care.

The event was attended by MPs, who signed a joint letter to the Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock.

The letter calls for a nationally mandated and funded framework for enhanced community eye care, delivered through the existing General Ophthalmic Services contract, on the basis that fragmented commissioning by Integrated Care Boards currently results in patients needing to rely on overstretched GPs, A&E departments and hospital eye services.

Adam Sampson, Chief Executive of the AOP, said: “Patients deserve accessible and timely eye care, and optometrists and dispensing opticians stand ready to deliver. By ensuring enhanced eye care services are available in all communities in England, optometry can relieve pressure on hospitals, support A&Es, and give patients the confidence that care is available close to home, whenever they need it.”

The AOP’s Eye care everywhere campaign sets out the case for expanding eye care services across England, to ensure patients can access the same level of care, regardless of where they live.

Ends

Download the images from the event.

For more information, please contact Anjola Sulaiman, PR and Media Executive, at the Association of Optometrists, [email protected] or telephone 0207 549 2062.

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