Page 9 - FODO-Strategy-Document-Full-2023

Protecting and Total number of sight tests provided each year

advancing core primary

eye care services

Scotland
1,596,000
The UK starts from a strong position when planning to meet
future eye health needs. Its strength derives from its world- Northern Ireland
leading primary eye care sight testing and case-finding service.
A core primary care service which is accessible, affordable, and 680,000
underpinned by patient choice which drives investment in quality
care for all. Wales
1,148,000

This sight testing service is the bedrock of the national eye England
health service in all four UK nations and a major public and 19,632,000
population health achievement. This is why FODO remains
committed to:

• Preserving patient • Calling on UK governments UK
protections and choice and health systems to 3
in legislation. fund core primary eye care 23,056,000
services in a sustainable way.
• Protecting the national
NHS sight testing service. • Minimising health
Including retaining a inequalities by enabling
nationally commissioned access to primary eye care
demand-led service with services for all. Including Detecting and referring eye conditions
nationally negotiated fees safeguarding patient
and grants in each of the benefits for children and the
four UK nations to avoid most financially vulnerable. The average Evidence shows optometrist referral
5-6
unnecessary variation referral rate accuracy following a sight test is good.
and costs. ranges between Referral refinement following a sight test
can help further improve accuracy of
3-5% 4-5 referrals, enabling more patients to be
managed in primary care. 7-9
Audiology
Pharmacy
GP Dentist

8 FODO UK The future of primary eye care – principles and priorities 9