Association of Optometrists welcomes appointment of James Murray as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) welcomes the appointment of the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and looks forward to working constructively with Government and health leaders to strengthen NHS services.

Responding to the announcement, Adam Sampson said: “This appointment comes at a pivotal time for the NHS. Rising demand, workforce pressures, widening health inequalities and growing waiting lists, felt acutely in eye care, continue to place significant strain on services across the country. Addressing these challenges will require long-term leadership, sustained investment and a renewed commitment to moving more care closer to home – as set out in the 10 Year Plan for Health.

“Investment in the whole of primary care remains critical to the success of this shift, to transform patient access. Primary eye care services have a vital role to play in reducing pressure on hospitals and supporting earlier intervention for patients. Yet eye health is too often overlooked in national health policy despite rising demand and growing inequalities in access. But community optometry is well placed to deliver more care closer to home, improve patient outcomes and reduce avoidable pressure on hospitals.

“This requires stronger integration within neighbourhood health, better digital link up and commissioning models that work for patients. The new health secretary has an opportunity to build a more joined-up and resilient health and care system, but this can only be achieved by prioritising primary care and integrated community services. As previous Chief Secretary to the Treasury, he will be aware of the need to ensure that health money is spent to best advantage.”

“We look forward to working with the new Secretary of State for Health and Care to ensure the delivery of the Government’s ambitions for a healthcare system that works for all.”

A PA Consulting report Key interventions to transform eye care and eye health reveals the economic savings of moving more eye care services into the community and its benefits to public health.

The AOP launched its Eye care everywhere campaign at the beginning of the year, calling for a unified approach to eye care services in England.

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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