As the voice of the profession, we work closely with our members, partners across the eye care sector and policymakers to improve public policy so key challenges facing ophthalmology services across the UK are recognised and addressed.
Since our last roundup, we:
- Directly raised the challenges facing Welsh ophthalmology services with politicians in Wales, when our Llywydd, Rhianon Reynolds, gave evidence to the Welsh Parliament’s Health and Social Care Committee inquiry into Ophthalmology Services. Following our written submission, Rhianon highlighted the importance of the Welsh Government implementing the National Clinical Strategy for Ophthalmology, which is a blueprint for improving and optimising ophthalmic services. She detailed the challenges of workforce shortages, estates not fit for purpose and the need for ophthalmology units to have bespoke space. Rhianon also stressed the urgent need for digital transformation, including standardised electronic health records that can be shared between primary and secondary eye care services. Speakers from across the eye care sector also gave evidence to the committee. These included Dr Andrew Pyott, author of the 2021 Pyott Report, and representatives of RNIB Cymru, Association of Optometrists, Macular Society, FODO, Vision Support and Optometry Wales. The committee is expected to publish a report with recommendations in due course.
- Jointly convened The Eyes Have It Westminster exhibition on ‘Preventing Avoidable Sight Loss and Improving Care’ with partners from across the eye care sector, which was hosted by Marsha de Cordova MP. The event was also attended by Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms MP. The exhibition was an opportunity to engage a range of politicians, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting, about the challenges facing eye care services and the need for solutions such as greater IT interoperability and an increase in the ophthalmologist workforce.
- Were cited in Heathwatch England’s report on the experience of patients waiting for ophthalmology services, in its recommendation that more granular waiting list data should be published. This is something we have long called for, as it would allow more effective scrutiny of waiting lists and scarce resources to be better allocated where patient need is greatest. We also welcomed their emphasis on supporting patients to wait well and enabling community optometry to deliver more routine services.
- Responded to the Prime Minister’s announcement that NHS England will be abolished and its functions merged into the Department of Health and Social Care. It is impossible to say at this stage what the impact of such a major decision will be on eye care services and the NHS. We will work with the transition team to offer our support on workstreams that are vital for ophthalmology. It is crucial that work such as the Long Term Workforce Plan refresh and 10 Year Plan remains on track.