GP backs optometry's primary care potential

A leading GP has insisted new clinical commissioning groups recognise the potential of optometrists to provide community eye care in the face of continued healthcare cuts.

Dr David Geddes, head of primary care commissioning at NHS England, told the National Optical Conference in Birmingham last week that high street optometry could help the NHS meet efficiencies.

He described NHS targets to save £20bn by 2015 and £50bn by 2020 as a ‘tall order’, but said growth of the ageing population would demand ongoing cost control. Sending more patients to a high street optical practice was a way of reducing waiting times and the burden on secondary care.