Primary Eyecare Services celebrates delivering one million patient assessments in a single year

Primary Eyecare Services is celebrating after completing one million patient assessments in a year.

The milestone was reached on 31 March, and marks a period from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.

The non-profit, which works in more than 800 neighbourhoods across England, aims to widen access to community eye care and reduce pressure on the NHS.

Working with community optometry and with Integrated Care Boards, Primary Eyecare Services delivers a number of specialised NHS services, including pre-cataract assessment, glaucoma repeat readings, and minor eye conditions service appointments.

The milestone comes in the context of the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan, which aims to move care from hospital to community.

Lisa Gibson, clinical director at Primary Eyecare Services, said: “Reaching one million patient assessments is a powerful demonstration of what not-for-profit, community-based eye care can deliver.

“Every assessment represents a patient seen quickly and expertly closer to home and is a credit to the dedication of our colleagues and partners across England. It reflects the shared purpose and collaboration that drives everything we do, and the real difference we are making for patients, communities and the NHS.”

Dharmesh Patel, chief executive officer of Primary Eyecare Services, added: “Behind each of these one million patient assessments is a person who needed timely, accessible care and a system that came together to make that happen.

“This milestone belongs to our colleagues across Primary Eyecare Services, local optometry practices, and our partners across the NHS who share a commitment to working differently for patients.”

Patel emphasised: “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together, delivering impact at scale, and improving lives by supporting more patients than ever before.”