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Optical bodies have welcomed plans from the Department of Health (DoH) to give patients a stronger voice, enable them to make informed decisions and have greater choice and control in managing their healthcare.

The Our Vision for Primary and Community Care document published last Thursday as part of the government's Next Stage Review of the NHS, sets out the direction of primary and community care in England.

The strategy outlines the central role primary and community care services play in preventing illness as well as tackling regional variations in health and well-being.

Commenting on the strategy, health service minister Ben Bradshaw said: 'Change will only come from listening more closely to what users tell us.'

FODO chief executive David Hewlett said: 'We applaud the intention to offer a wider range of services in primary care. Wales and Scotland are showing what can be done in eye care and English PCTs should now follow. Such developments are urgently needed. The public health, economic, access and quality case for them is overwhelming.'

AOP chief executive Bob Hughes said: 'There is already great choice in the eye care sector with all patients being able to choose which optometrist they see, at a location and time that is convenient to them.'

A spokesperson for the Eye Health Alliance added: 'Encouraging everyone to have regular eye tests will make a vital contribution to reduce the high level of avoidable sight loss, reducing the burden not only on NHS eye care services but rehabilitative social services and secondary health services.'

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