Time for action on glaucoma in England 

10 March 2026

As World Glaucoma Week (8–14 March) shines a light on one of the fastest‑growing threats to sight, leading clinicians are calling for urgent action to address what some are describing as a looming ‘tsunami of glaucoma’ in England.

Specsavers clinical leaders Paul Morris and Giles Edmonds are urging the entire eye health sector to throw its support behind a new parliamentary bill from optometrist‑turned‑MP Shockat Adam. The proposed legislation would introduce a consistent NHS community glaucoma service, delivered by expert optometrists, to end the NHS postcode lottery currently faced by patients in England.
Back the bill supporting community glaucoma services
'I want to urge everyone in the sector to unite behind Shockat Adam’s bill,' says Mr Edmonds, clinical services director at Specsavers.

“Something needs to change. It's time for the government to take action on glaucoma in England,” adds Mr Edmonds

Paul Morris, Director of Professional Advancement, says the evidence is already clear: other parts of the UK have robust, effective NHS pathways in place, and where community models operate in England, they are already transforming care.

‘We clearly are part of the solution,’ he says. ‘Across the UK, and in several areas of England, community optometry is proving its value—monitoring and managing glaucoma safely alongside ophthalmology in suitable cases.’

Community optometry: ready for the challenge

Glaucoma cases are expected to rise significantly in the coming years, and Paul emphasises that the profession has the expertise, capability and capacity to meet demand. But unlocking that potential requires:

  • Workforce upskilling in clinical expertise
  • Sector development to support consistent service delivery
  • Stronger integration with the NHS
  • Better public education and patient support
  • More coaching and confidence‑building around concordance and long‑term eye health

He also encourages clinicians to signpost patients to Glaucoma UK, reinforcing the sector’s commitment to preventing avoidable sight loss.

Improving access to stop preventable sight loss

Adding further weight to the call, Fiona Sandford, Chief Executive of Visionary, says access to timely local care is critical for the quarter of a million people supported by the organisation’s member groups.

‘Unnecessary and preventable sight loss would be catastrophic for people,’ she warns. ‘We must work together to improve access to the care they need within local communities to ensure this doesn’t happen.’