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Ophthalmic Services: Community Health Services

Asked by Shockat AdamIndependentDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 22 October 2025UIN 82096

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of using existing high street optometry practices to deliver diagnostic services.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock

High street optometrists play a vital role in the early detection of a range of eye conditions. Integrated care boards are responsible for commissioning primary and secondary eye care services and can commission additional diagnostic services from high street optometrists based on providers and priorities in their areas, for example additional testing to support effective referrals to secondary care.

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