04 July 2025

FODO member update – 4 July

This week:

• NHS 10-Year Health Plan
• Glaucoma Awareness Week
• At a glance
• Policy news

NHS 10-Year Health Plan

Members who have read previous NHS plans might be asking what's new about this one.

It's true that it repeats much (albeit with new names), and like many NHS plans before it, implementation will be the primary challenge.

However, few doubt that the political and economic stakes are considerable regarding the new 10-Year Health Plan for England.

A government warning accompanies the ambitious plan - the NHS is at risk due to its share of public spending and record-low satisfaction rates, and this time it is about "reform or die".
The government's stated priorities include reducing waiting lists, transforming payment systems, reviewing regulations, empowering patients with digital tools, and shifting spending from acute hospitals to the community.

In short, the government has set out one of the most ambitious strategies to transform one of our most complex institutions. It's doing so against a backdrop of uncertainty for UK PLC finances and a promise to successfully deliver the plan as a central part of its re-election strategy.

You can read what we and others have said about the plan below.

• FODO response - welcomes recognition of the benefits of primary eye care but notes NHS funding must 'follow the patient' for reforms to be successful
• NCHA response - supports the government prioritising direct access to audiology
• Clarity news coverage - includes initial provider reflections on the plan
• ABDO response - supports the need to shift care out of hospital
• AOP - says the plan has opportunities for eye care
• The College of Optometrists - makes the case for transforming eye care services  
• Royal College of Ophthalmologists - supports the shift from hospital to community, but questions funding and "consultant oversight"
• Community Pharmacy England - like FODO, NCHA and others - welcomes the plan, but considers that sustainable funding models for primary care will be key to successful delivery
• IHPN - supports the plan, committing to a plurality of providers
• BMA - warns the government will "have 'little hope' of pushing through its package of reforms" while "doctors' pay and unemployment remained unresolved".

What next?

FODO has analysed the plan and will discuss the policy implications with the Board shortly. To learn more about the work we are doing on the plan or to get involved in the policy work FODO leads on, please email [email protected]. 

Glaucoma Awareness Week

It is Glaucoma Awareness Week from 30 June to 6 July, with patient groups raising awareness of the sight-threatening condition.

Glaucoma UK has run a series of campaigns to encourage people across the UK to discuss glaucoma. It reported that 700,000 people in the UK have glaucoma, but 50% don't know it. To raise awareness, it has launched a new risk quiz to help people understand their risk factors.

Joanne Creighton, Glaucoma UK CEO, said:?"This year, we are launching an online interactive quiz to help people assess their glaucoma risk, understand the importance of regular eye tests and take proactive steps to protect their sight."

Stephen Kinnock, minister of state for care, also answered a parliamentary question on glaucoma from MP and optometrist Adam Shockat about government steps to prevent irreversible blindness due to glaucoma progression.

Kinnock said: "Regular sight tests play a crucial role in the early detection of glaucoma, which is often symptomless in the early stages". He added that the NHS was exploring how more patients might be managed closer to home in community optometry.

Glaucoma UK has also been working with Specsavers this week to brief MPs on the importance of glaucoma and how optometrists in the community can play a greater role in reducing it. 

At a glance3

• As we reported last week, you can nominate yourself or a colleague for the Optometry Wales awards. There is still time to participate, as Optometry Wales has now extended the deadline for applications to 14 July
• IAPB publishes campaign materials for World Sight Day, 9 October. Learn how you can get involved
• Newmedica calls for improved glaucoma care for patients
• LOCSU has undertaken a focused review of the literature on cataract services. Learn more
• The Royal College of Ophthalmologists reports meeting Stephen Kinnock to discuss its concerns about the oversight of ISP providers of cataract surgery. It says it is now working with DHSC officials on viable solutions
• Wales - ophthalmology waiting times data continues to show a system under pressure, with approximately 50% of patients still at risk of significant adverse outcomes due to delays in care.

Policy news

The King's Fund has published updated key facts and figures on the NHS, predicting that NHS expenditure will rise to £246.7 billion by 2028/29. It also helpfully puts spending into context, highlighting that £1 billion could pay for 8,200 consultants per year or the salary of 24,800 nurses.