Specsavers report highlights potential of optometry

A Specsavers report estimated that up to one million A&E patients could be diverted to primary care optometry and reduce pressure on NHS waiting lists.

The multiple highlighted that optometry and audiology were an integral, yet often overlooked, part of primary care that was able to support patient choice.

Giles Edmonds, clinical director of optics at Specsavers, said: ‘Using this highly qualified workforce to its full extent will free up capacity within the health service in return for very little cost to the taxpayer and an overwhelming improvement in patient health outcomes and quality of life.’

The report identified that people with eye related conditions accounted for five million GP consultations per year, which could be dealt with by community optometrists using existing infrastructure.