In Focus: Specsavers manifesto tackles postcode lottery

A manifesto published by Specsavers has outlined how community optometry and audiology could improve patient access to care and support the NHS by freeing up millions of GP and hospital appointments.

Giles Edmonds, clinical services director at Specsavers, said: ‘The Specsavers manifesto sets out changes in primary care eye and hearing health that have the biggest positive impact, tackling a postcode lottery when it comes to access to care.’

Specsavers launched the manifesto ahead of the general election on July 4 as polls identified that improving healthcare was among the top issues for voters.

Edmonds added: ‘For eye health, we are urging the next government to back community minor and urgent eye care services to treat minor eye conditions available from NHS opticians in every community throughout England.