MP learns more about optical services

MP Julie Cooper attended Brown Opticians today (28 April) to meet with representatives from the East Lancashire Optical Committee (LOC) and learn about the role that optical practices can play in delivering community eye care. 

The MP for Burnley and Shadow Community Health Minister (pictured) was met by Clive Duerden, David Cleasby and Mark Jinkinson, who discussed with her the enhanced services that are delivered in Burnley and how the commissioning of these services varies across the rest of the country. 

Reflecting on the visit, chair of East Lancashire LOC, Mr Duerden, said: “In East Lancashire, local optical practices deliver a number of community eye care services. Unfortunately, the commissioning of such services is patchy across the country, meaning not everyone is able to benefit from them. There are also hospital eye departments struggling to cope with demand, which, in some instances, has led to patients losing their sight unnecessarily. We are really grateful to Julie for taking the time to meet with us and see for herself the work we are doing in Burnley and across East Lancashire.”

Ms Cooper added: “I was pleased to meet with representatives from the East Lancashire LOC to hear all about services local optical practices provide, along with an overview of the provision of these services across the country. It’s clear to me that optical practices should be the first port of call for anyone with eye problems, to provide a more convenient service for patients and to take pressure away from hospitals struggling to cope with demand.”