College of Optometrists responds to spending review

The College of Optometrists has welcomed the additional funding pledged for NHS England but called on the government to prioritise investment in primary eye care services.

While the College supported the government’s three key shifts for the NHS, it stressed that these changes should be funded and implemented in the first phase of the NHS 10-year plan to reduce pressures on hospital eye services and better align NHS capacity with growing patient needs.

Dr Gillian Rudduck, MCOptom, president of the College, commented: ‘Investing in primary eye care services, optometry workforce development, digital connectivity improvement, and preventative initiatives will ensure that eye care services are accessible, timely, and of the highest quality.’