Verum writes: Our uphill task in gaining recognition

The NHS 10 year plan was published in January 2019. This was with some fanfare since this is the next stage of the strategy to take the NHS forward to achieving excellent patient outcomes, while becoming financially viable. The document is 136 pages long and so has the potential to cover a lot of ground.

On my first read of the document, I was keen to see how well it mapped across to our thinking within the optical professions that we have a role to play at the forefront of eye health within the NHS. Would we be uppermost in the minds of policy makers as a sector which is in their minds to play a part to reduce pressure on GP surgeries and secondary care? How well would it cover the sight and eye health issues that relate to long term NHS aims to keep people living healthier more independent lives? In the detail of 136 pages, what would the role be for our professions within the strategy?