23 December 2025
The Association of Optometrists (AOP) has welcomed a package of healthcare support measures announced by the Government for children leaving care.
The measures include free prescriptions, dental, and eye care services up to the age of 25 for care leavers.
Dr Peter Hampson, clinical and policy director of the AOP, said: “This is a positive step that recognises the vital role eye care and eye health play in people’s lives, particularly for young adults leaving care.”
Hampson emphasised that good eye health is “essential” for education, employment, and wellbeing, adding: “It is encouraging to see the Government acknowledge this through targeted support for care leavers.”
“While the move will benefit tens of thousands of young people, it also underlines a wider issue that we still need to address,” he continued.
He highlighted the AOP’s “simple and longstanding ask” of the Government that access to a range of eye care services “should be available on the High Street everywhere in England, for everyone who needs it.”
Hampson shared: “Too many people still face barriers to accessing routine eye care, which can lead to avoidable sight loss, and places unnecessary pressure on other parts of the healthcare system including GPs and A&E departments.”
“We urge the Government to build on this welcome announcement by committing to equitable eye care provision across all parts of England, ensuring no-one goes without when it comes to protecting their eye sight,” he concluded.
Last month (18 November), the AOP hosted a drop-in event – Eye care in your constituency – at Westminster to present a picture of eye care services in England, attended by more than 30 parliamentarians.
During the event, MPs expressed support for primary care optometry services, including Minor Eye Conditions Services and the Community Urgent Eyecare Services.
The AOP also highlighted the report Key interventions to transform eye care and eye health, produced by PA Consulting, which reveals the impact of these services to public health, if delivered nationwide – including delivering £98 million in cost savings to the NHS every year.
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