NHS funding absent in Autumn statement

FODO has highlighted the lack of further NHS funding in a first Autumn statement by new chancellor Philip Hammond last week.

The federation also flagged up the increase to the minimum wage to £7.50, a new apprenticeship levy and increased tax free personal allowances.

FODO chair Lynda Oliver said: ‘Some of these investment announcements will benefit optical practices and practitioners but further funding for the NHS and social care were conspicuous by their absence, despite the real crises facing many part of the NHS.

‘These tight finances outline why it is so important the optical sector continues to push for more routine eye care to be moved out of hospital into the community to free up capacity and deliver better value for taxpayers’ money.’