RNIB eye care proposals estimated to save NHS over £1bn

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has published a new report presenting six costed, practical steps aimed at transforming eye care services in England. 

The report, titled The Value of Vision, estimated these changes could generate NHS savings exceeding £1bn over the next decade. 

The six proposals were to: ensure all primary eye care providers have NHS email addresses; ensure all primary eye care providers have access to advice and guidance from secondary care to reduce unnecessary referrals; streamline referrals by establishing single points of access (SPoA); embed the Eye Care Support Pathway within clinical pathways; fully utilise the skills of optometrists in primary care; and increase focus on addressing Do Not Attends within planning guidance and the Elective Recovery programme.