Coverage of eye care services increases

Access to Covid-19 urgent eyecare services (Cues) and minor eye conditions service (Mecs) has increased since the start of the pandemic, according to the Local Optical Committee Support Unit (Locsu).

An 11% increase in population coverage was found in Locsu data, with access to services increasing from 63% in April, 2020 to 74% by November, 2021.

Zoe Richmond, interim clinical director at Locsu, said: ‘It is good that 74% of the population of England now have access to urgent eye care on their doorstep, delivered by primary care optometrists and their practice teams.

‘However, these services need to be commissioned consistently; people will continue to present to their general practice or accident and emergency department until we are able to deliver a clear and consistent national message.’