AOP Launch Eye Care Everywhere Campaign
5 August 2026
The Association of Optometrists (AOP) have launched a new campaign targeting a fully resourced eye care service delivered within local communities.
Eye Care Everywhere sets out the case for enhanced eye care services available to all, utilising the clinically skilled optometry workforce embedded in neighbourhoods across England to deliver faster care, cut waiting lists and reduce pressure on A&E services.
Eye related conditions account for around 3% of all A&E attendances – 780,000 patient visits each year – often driven by conditions that are low risk, non-sight-threatening and could be routinely managed by optometrists in community settings.
Optometry practices are equipped to manage urgent eye conditions safely. Further commissioning of enhanced services in neighbourhoods across England could deflect between 62% and 78% of eye related emergency department attendances each year.
LOCSU remain driven to improve the consistency of commissioning in England, providing more services across the country to improve access and eye care outcomes.
Janice Foster, LOCSU CEO, said: “The AOP’s Eye Care Everywhere campaign highlights an opportunity that LOCSU has long championed; making better use of the clinically skilled optometry workforce already embedded in neighbourhoods across England.
“High street opticians can improve access to timely eye care closer to home, deliver a better experience for patients, and reduce avoidable pressure on GPs, A&E departments and hospital eye services.
“The evidence is clear that patients and the wider NHS both benefit when these services are commissioned effectively.
Zoe Richmond, LOCSU Clinical Director, added: “An evaluation of the Manchester CUES service demonstrated a sustained reduction in emergency eye department activity.
“What is needed now is consistent and widespread commissioning of primary eye care services, including CUES, across England, so that access to high-quality care is determined by clinical need, not where a patient lives.”
LOCs can find information and resources on Community Minor and Urgent Eye Care here, including pathway documents, supporting materials and case studies. Further resources are available in our members area.
More information on Eye Care Everywhere, including in-depth statistics on the cost savings and waiting list reductions, can be found on AOP’s dedicated campaign page.
The Manchester CUES evaluation is published in Eye.