Embracing optometrists and audiologists as 'GPs of the eyes and ears'
Specsavers' Clinical Services Director, Giles Edmonds, believes that community optometry and audiology can play a pivotal role in achieving the vision of a neighbourhood health service, shifting care from hospitals to community settings.
Key to unlocking this shift in England is the national commissioning of essential community and primary care services. 'In England, the main enabler that would unlock this shift is the national commissioning of key community and primary care services,' he explains.
He points out that Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland have already adopted national commissioning approaches to expand NHS eye health services in the community. Additionally, the Scottish Government has committed to commissioning a primary care audiology service.
In their submission to the consultation on the 10-year plan, Specsavers has outlined ways for the Westminster government to achieve its NHS priorities in the short to medium term. Ministers' focus is on moving care from hospitals to the community and shifting from a treatment-based approach to a prevention-based one.
Primary care optometrists and audiologists can significantly contribute to the prevention agenda by identifying and managing conditions like glaucoma early or providing timely access to treatment for age-related hearing loss.
'The main blockers to unlocking the full potential of optometrists and audiologists as "GPs of the eyes and ears" are inconsistent commissioning arrangements across England and "demand management" by Integrated Care Boards,' explains Mr Edmonds.
He cites the blocking of additional community audiology sites as an example, which limits efforts to improve accessibility and reduce patient waiting times.
These changes, he concludes, would significantly reduce pressure on GPs, A&E departments, and hospital eye and hearing care services while greatly improving access to care.