Eye care overlooked in GP access plan

NHS England’s plan to improve access to primary care failed to recognise the value of eye care services, according to the Association of Optometrists.  

Adam Sampson, chief executive at the AOP, said while it welcomed the GP access plan, utilising all primary care services could provide higher quality care to patients.  

‘Like pharmacists, the network of community-based optometrists working in high streets up and down the country provides a huge potential resource to help alleviate pressure on GPs. Optometry provides an immediate solution that ensures easy and more convenient access to eye care, quicker,’ Sampson said.  

He hoped the impending NHS workforce plan would recognise the full spectrum of healthcare professionals in primary care and how they could address the challenges faced by patients.