Optics has welcomed the preservation of key benefits such as free eye exams for older people in the government's comprehensive spending review but expressed concerns over cuts.
The National Health Service fared well in the CSR, delivered by the Chancellor George Osborne, in comparison to other areas, with its budget increasing above the rate of inflation over the next four years.
The College of Optometrists told Optician it was relieved to see the government honour its promise to protect free eye tests but it was concerned about the broader impact of CSR cuts on optics. Its chief executive, Bryony Pawinska, cited the impact of university tuition fees and the effect anticipated widescale job losses may have on the economy.
A General Optical Council (GOC) spokesperson also revealed to Optician the Council's concerns that cuts at the Department of Health could, in the short term, affect its ability to support the GOC in any calls for changes to legislation. The spokesperson added that the GOC was looking forward to hearing the government's plans for the future of health regulation.
Optical Fees Review Committee (OFRC) secretary Bob Hughes said that although free sight tests for the elderly were not thought to be under threat, because of the optical bodies' lobbying, the preservation of the eye tests still came as a relief. 'When huge cuts have to be made you can never be certain,' he said. Commenting on behalf of the OFRC, he added: 'We are delighted that the coalition government have once again delivered on their commitments on GOS which they gave us whilst they were in opposition and subsequently. Protecting GOS sight tests for older people fits with the clear path for GOS within the new National Commissioning Board as set out in the NHS white paper.'