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We have been spending a lot of time recently dissecting the NHS long term plan, exploring how the optical sector should best engage with stakeholders to increase its profile and the role of primary eye care in future service delivery. We often come back to the importance of collaboration and engagement, how we need to reach out to senior decision-makers in Primary Care Networks to ensure they understand what we can offer. However, this is a marathon, not a sprint.

Therefore, while it’s urgent that the sector speaks with one voice to stakeholders that are shaping policy and pathways right now, there’s also work to do among entrants to the medical profession. By building awareness of the skills of primary eye care professionals among those starting their careers, we make a valuable investment in our reputation that will pay dividends in the years to come.