AOP rallies support with Sight for SEN children

The Association of Optometrists launched the Sight for Special Education Needs (SEN) campaign to pressure the government to continue the NHS England Special Schools Eye Care Service. 

The AOP aimed to secure the future of the NHS special schools service through sector collaboration to ensure long-term commitment, consistent commissioning, and guaranteed investment and future funding. The association has written to 30 MPs and has created a template briefing encouraging ECPs to also contact local MPs. 

Currently, the NHS services has rolled out across 80 special schools, with plans to expand to 165,000 children within special schools from 2024–2025. However, future plans are yet to be determined.