GOC research uncovers inequalities in eye care experience

The General Optical Council has published the results of a survey of 2035 members of the public, exploring their experiences of eye care in the UK and their perception of the profession.

The survey found that 92% of respondents were satisfied with the optometrist who carried out their sight test, while 88% were satisfied with their overall visit.

Survey participants from an ethnic minority background were less likely to be satisfied with their overall visit than white participants (84% compared to 91%).

Participants with a disability were also less likely to be satisfied with the overall visit to an optometry practice than participants without a disability (82% compared to 89%).

The research revealed that 31% of participants shop around before selecting which optometry practice to go to – a higher proportion than 2023, when 21% of participants explored their options before attending a practice.

A smaller proportion of participants purchased their spectacles from the practice where they had their sight test in 2024 than in 2023 – 78% compared to 85%.

There was an increase in the proportion of survey participants who purchased spectacles from supermarkets, High Street stores or the internet – from 5% in 2023 to 14% in 2024.

There remain differences between the nations of the UK when it comes to where patients would go if they woke up with an eye problem – with 31% selecting an optometrist in England, compared to 43% choosing this option in Wales, 44% in Scotland, and 41% in Northern Ireland.

GOC director of regulatory strategy, Steve Brooker, shared that while it was pleasing public satisfaction remains high overall, the fact that someone’s experience of eye care can vary considerably depending on their background and circumstances is “worrying.”

“We know registrants want to give all patients the best possible care and the sector needs to work collaboratively to reduce the inequalities revealed by our survey,” he said.

AOP clinical and professional director, Dr Peter Hampson, welcomed the finding that 92% of respondents are satisfied with their optometrist.

“It is testament to the commitment of our members to deliver high quality care. However, if as the survey suggests, all patients are not receiving the same level of service, then we must investigate ways to rectify the issue,” he said.

However, Hampson expressed disappointment that only 33% of the UK public see an optometry practice as the first port of call for eye problems – with 30% selecting a GP practice as the best place to go.

“As set out in our One million appointments campaign, optometrists have the skills and equipment to diagnose and in many cases treat eye problems, which would help to alleviate the pressure on our overburdened GP colleagues; the fact that nearly a third of the public don’t avail themselves of these services is concerning,” Hampson highlighted.

"Even in Scotland and Wales, where primary eye care is better funded and has seen considerable redevelopment, patients still do not seem to be aware of the skilled professionals available within optometry practices. As a profession we clearly have work to do to highlight the range of services and skills that are available,” he added.