In the run up to the general election, Specsavers has released its own manifesto for eye and ear health. The manifesto set out how millions of GP and hospital appointments could be freed up by leveraging capacity within optometry and audiology.
The multiple urged the next government to support community minor and urgent eye care services to treat minor eye conditions available from NHS opticians in every community throughout England.
Nationally commissioned primary care audiology services for adults could also help deal with what Specsavers said were the 40% of new referrals to hospitals for ear and hearing care in 2023 for uncomplicated hearing problems including wax build up, presbycusis, and a runny nose.
More details of the Specsavers eye and health manifesto will feature in next week’s Optician.
