What changes we're asking the Government to make

What we’re calling for

A national strategy for eye care is needed, with the existing primary care optometry workforce at its core.

1. Basic IT connectivity in place between primary and secondary care to speed up patient referrals
2. Extending the scope of community eye care services so more patients get the care they need, closer to home
3. Widening the prescribing powers of optometrists to alleviate pressure on GP services, hospital eye departments and A&E

Why act now

1. Every patient can receive high quality, specialist eye care that’s affordable, when they need it
2. More patients can be seen, at the right time, in their community – improving health outcomes
3. Hospital eye departments can focus on patients who need to be seen by an ophthalmologist – reducing the backlog