The College of Optometrists publish new policy review
29 May 2025
The College of Optometrists have published a policy review calling for policy action to expand and fully integrate optometry-led urgent eye care services across England.
The report describes a “critical opportunity to improve urgent and emergency eye care by leveraging the untapped capacity of its community optometrists.” And suggests the evidence is “clear and compelling” and that minor and urgent eye care services delivered by primary care optometry “deliver safe, effective care for the majority of acute eye conditions, achieving outcomes on par with hospital care while dramatically easing the burden on GPs and eye casualty departments.”
To realise the benefits of optometry-led urgent and emergency eye care at scale, the college recommend the following actions:
- Commission optometry-led urgent eye care services across all regions
- Remove unnecessary barriers and additional qualification requirements
- Ensure adequate funding and support within service specifications
- Strengthen integration, clinical governance, and collaboration
- Increase awareness and encourage appropriate use of services
Zoe Richmond, LOCSU Clinical Director, said “The research summary is a must read for LOCs and local leaders involved in commissioning discussions and local service performance reviews. With rising demand outpacing hospital capacity for eye care, commissioners should seek to improve capacity through local commissioning arrangements with primary care optometry. Minor and urgent eye care services have been delivered on the high street for many years, the College report highlights the safety and effectiveness of these services and makes clear recommendations for commissioning.”
Read the full article here.