Supporting new Minister of State for Care to bring patient care closer to home
The AOP endorses Labour Government’s vision for a stronger, more resilient NHS
The Association of Optometrists (AOP) has written to the new Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock MP, extending its support for the new Government’s mission to ‘address the pressing challenges our healthcare system faces’.
With an increasingly strained NHS and waiting lists approaching record levels, reforms are required to bolster the health service and alleviate the pressures the system is currently under. In the face of such challenges, the AOP continues to advocate for greater use of primary eye care to reduce the burden on secondary care and GP services.
In a letter to the Minister, Chief Executive of the AOP, Adam Sampson said: “We have been working closely with the Labour health policy team, contributing our expertise to help shape effective and deliverable policies. We are keen to continue this constructive collaboration and offer our direct support.
“Our research and insights offer unique perspectives on eye health. We have conducted extensive research from among our 17,000 members, and beyond, on various aspects of eye care. Our Sight won’t wait campaign highlights that too many patients are being forced to wait for eye care, struggling with an undiagnosed or untreated condition, and in some cases tragically losing vision that is preventable but irreversible.”
He added: “Our glaucoma modelling research provides valuable data on the prevalence and management of glaucoma, highlighting the potential for improved patient outcomes through better integration of optometric services, creating significant savings to the NHS. And there are many other examples where optometry has an instrumental role to play.”
Key campaign messages set out in the letter include the need for:
- A comprehensive strategy for utilising primary care, with community optometry at its core
- Enhanced community-led eye care in England
- Early intervention and preventive care.
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Notes to Editors
Association of Optometrists
The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is the voice of the optical profession, representing over 80% of practising optometrists. The AOP elevates the work of its members, safeguards their interests, and champions eye health across the UK. For more information, visit www.aop.org.uk