Our political engagement: April – June 2026
Building our engagement with policymakers to influence national decisions
Ceri Smith Jaynes OT Multimedia Editor, Vikki Slade MP, Serena Box, AOP Head of PR Media and External Affairs
This past quarter, we reinforced our political engagement across Westminster and the wider healthcare sector, ensuring that the voice of optometry continues to be heard at a pivotal moment for NHS reform.
- We worked closely with The College of Optometrists to support Government proposals for mandatory eyesight testing for drivers aged 70 and over. We emphasised that optometry-led sight tests at licence renewal are key to delivering change. Our joint response to the Department for Transport set out clear principles for change and called for decisive action.
- We delivered strong visibility in our media activity across broadcast, online and parliamentary media, with notable traction on BBC Radio and BBC Parliament. Coverage also highlighted proposed reforms to vision and driving across outlets including The Sunday Times, Expresss, and The Sun.
- We hosted a Westminster drop-in event and secured cross-party backing for our Eye care everywhere campaign. MPs heard how enhanced community eye care can relieve pressure on GPs, A&E and hospital eye services, and signed a joint letter to the Minister of State for Care calling for a nationally mandated and funded framework for enhanced services.
- We met with Vikki Slade MP to discuss why driver vision standards matter, and the need for a more evidence-based approach to road safety. We explored opportunities to raise awareness and close policy gaps to ensure vision standards are fit for purpose, making UK roads safer for everyone.
- Following the appointment of James Murray MP as the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, we welcomed the opportunity to work with him to build a more joined-up health and care system. We reiterated that primary eye care must be central to delivering the Government’s ambitions for care closer to home.
- We joined sector partners in welcoming NHS England’s GIRFT Best Practice Guidance for Glaucoma Services. The guidance recognises the role of primary care in early detection and community-based management. As part of OFNC, we also stressed that these services must be funded through Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) if avoidable sight loss is to be prevented.
- We launched our 2026-2030 Five-Year strategy, setting out our mission to deliver visionary change in optometry and eye care. The strategy outlines how we will support members and advocate for expanding the role of optometry within healthcare delivery.
- Alongside sector bodies, we urged the General Optical Council (GOC) to carefully consider aspects of its proposed CPD reform. Together, we highlighted the need for a system that maintains public protection and provides clear expectations for registrants.
- We confirmed nine new Councillors representing diverse practice modes and career stages. Their insight will help shape our policy development and strategic direction as we represent the profession.
- We announced a nationwide roadshow series to build our collective advocacy across the UK. The events provide a forum for members to discuss the future of eye care, contribute their experiences and help shape our ongoing engagement with policymakers.
As we move into the next quarter, we will continue driving national policy and securing recognition for optometry’s role in a modern and resilient healthcare system.
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Ceri Smith Jaynes OT Multimedia Editor, Vikki Slade MP, Serena Box, AOP Head of PR Media and External Affairs
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John White, Communications and External Affairs Director , Vikki Slade MP, Chris Whiting, External affairs officer, and Serena Box AOP Head of PR Media and External Affairs
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