Report calls for better optometry state funding

Optometry Scotland has highlighted funding as the optical sectors ‘greatest limitation’ to alleviating demand on healthcare services in a recent report, which called on the Scottish Government to make reforms.

Following a 2021 meeting and subsequent enquiry, the Scottish Parliament's Health, Social Care and Sport Committee has called for actions to improve alternative pathways to primary care, including by creating a public information campaign to boost patient knowledge on self-referrals, addressing current staffing and retention of workforce challenges, and raising the profile of different healthcare professions so multi-disciplinary teams understand their value.

Optometry Scotland’s chair Julie Mosgrove, who contributed evidence to the report, commented: ‘We were proud to be called upon to provide valuable insights into our sector, looking at what’s working well and where there is potential to further enhance community optometry.