Utilise High Street optometry to cut NHS waiting times, Healthwatch England says

High Street optometrists should be utilised to cut NHS waiting times, according to newly released research from Healthwatch England.

Data from 1051 patients waiting for secondary eye care found that 85% believe optometrists should be able to refer into specialised services without having to go via a GP.

The report, entitled A strain on sight: waiting for NHS eyecare, is published today (20 March).

It found that 70% of respondents had experienced a decline in vision during their wait for care, with over half saying that their wait had impacted work, daily activities, or mental health.

Only 4% of those surveyed said they had received advice to help with day-to-day activities, such as working.

Just 14% of patients said they knew who to contact for further information about their care, despite this being identified as the most common form of support required.

More than 65% of those surveyed are comfortable with community optometrists helping to monitor and treat eye conditions, the research found.

Now, Healthwatch England is calling on the Government to utilise High Street optometry to improve patient experience and cut NHS waiting lists.

More patients with serious eye conditions could be identified and referred to ophthalmology earlier if the scope of community optometrists was expanded, Healthwatch England said.

The organisation’s deputy chief executive, Chris McCann, said: “Long waits for eye care are having a huge impact on people’s daily lives, including their ability to work, manage daily tasks, socialise or take part in hobbies.

“We know that highly skilled optometrists in the community are in every locality in England. Our survey shows overwhelming public support for better using this capacity through models such as Optometry First, where optometrists and their teams support patients before and after hospital care. This provides an ideal opportunity for them to take on more responsibility for managing people’s eye care and referring them for specialist treatment.”

McCann added: “There also needs to be better communication and support for those stuck on waiting lists.”

He emphasised the importance of eye clinic liaison officers, noting that they provide “vital support to those diagnosed with a condition that affects their sight.”

The use of eye clinic liaison officers should be increased so that it is available to all patients, McCann said.

The research found that 75% of those waiting for secondary eye care had seen it impact their ability to continue with their hobbies, while 69% said it had affected their mental health.

Over half (52%) said long waits had affected their ability to work, while 36% said it had impacted their relationships.

Of those currently waiting for secondary eye care, 22% reported having multiple appointments before being referred.

Ophthalmology is currently the fourth busiest outpatient speciality in the NHS.

Healthwatch England is an independent statutory body that represents the interests of patients in England. There are more than 150 Healthwatch hubs across the country.

The organisation also believes that the NHS should provide clearer information on specific conditions, in order to improve oversight of waiting times for serious cases and ensure resources are used effectively.

“The NHS should publish condition-specific data to ensure patients with the most serious eye conditions get help first,” McCann said.

The survey of 2568 people was carried out between July and September 2024. Of the total number, 1051 responded to the questions about waiting for secondary eye care.

The correct solution

The AOP has welcomed the recommendations made by Healthwatch England.

Chief executive of the AOP, Adam Sampson said: “[For] too long, we have been in a desperate situation where patients are losing their sight as they wait for treatment. This report from Healthwatch is an urgent reminder that this is the last chance to act for many patients – but shows there is an immediate fix.

“Community optometry has been recognised by the Government as the right solution to solve this health emergency.”

Sampson noted that recent AOP work, including a co-commissioned PA Consulting report, has highlighted that optometrists “are ready to provide the clinical services that are needed to cut waiting times, while also bringing care closer to home for patients via a network of 6000 High Street opticians across the UK.”

He also emphasised the continued need for a national eye health strategy for England.

Sampson said: “England is the only country in the UK that has no plan for eye care. This must change. We continue to call for a national framework for eye care that must include services for glaucoma and cataract to end the unacceptable postcode lottery.

“We must make sure patients get the care they need in their local High Street optician, when they need it, so that avoidable sight loss is consigned to history.”

He added: “To achieve this goal, we need the Government to continue to focus on their commitment to the three big health shifts as outlined by Lord Darzi. Crucially, this includes delivering on the promise to rebalance the share of funding, driving more investment into primary eye care services, alongside pharmacy, dentistry, and general practice.”