Optical bodies want wider NHS eye care

NHS eye care should be aligned to a new simplified benefits system being launched by the government's Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), according to optical bodies.

The College of Optometrists and Optical Confederation made the proposal ahead of next year's rollout of the Universal Credit benefits system, which will be paid out monthly and include those in work but on a low income.

Their statement called for all patients in receipt of Universal Credit to be eligible for an NHS sight test and optical voucher, as opposed to only some. It noted that more individuals were predicted to receive Universal Credit than currently benefiting, but said the increased NHS expenditure would be offset by the public health benefits of early detection of eye conditions.