Primary care sets out ‘asks’ for Health and Care Bill

The UK Government has set out reform plans for the NHS in England. As the Health and Care Bill enters committee stage, representative bodies across NHS primary care are setting out ‘key asks’ to ensure integrated care happens through engagement with primary care providers at all levels. 

The AOP, as part of the Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC), has given our view on what is needed for optometry.   

Adam Sampson, AOP Chief Executive, explains: “The new design framework for NHS integrated care systems offers important opportunities that optometry must capitalise on. More consistent commissioning of extended eye care services is a prime example of improved patient care and better use of the highly skilled, practitioners in optics. But it is essential that optometry has a place at the table to input at a strategic level in order to create real transformation, reduce pressure on the NHS, and deliver robust and sustainable eyecare for all.”   

In February the AOP flagged potential risks around the reforms relating to GOS commissioning, and we continue to work with others in the sector to manage those risks.  

The AOP published our Strategy for Optometry in June 2021, which set out our view of the future of optometry to provide consistent and efficient eye care across the UK.    

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For more information, please contact Serena Box, PR and Media Manager, at the Association of Optometrists, [email protected] or telephone 020 7549 2040.

An image of Adam Sampson, AOP Chief Executive is available via this DropBox folder.

Notes to Editors

Association of Optometrists

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is the leading representative membership organisation for optometrists in the UK. We support over 82% of practising optometrists, to fulfil their professional roles to protect the nation’s eye health. For more information, visit www.aop.org.uk