Healthwatch Croydon Contributes to Eye Care Report and Is Featured in Optometry Today

News - 5 June 2025

Healthwatch Croydon contribution to how eye care services are precieved by patients has been featured in Optomety today.

This project is part of a national project funded by Healthwatch England, the feature in Optometry Today provides a great profile for the needs of residents across the country struggling to access health services; but also for the service local healthwatch provides. The final report produced by Healthwatch England was contributed to by 13 local Healthwatch's namely Healthwatch Bury, Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Healthwatch Peterborough, Healthwatch Doncaster, Healthwatch Ealing, Healthwatch Hammersmith and Fulham, Healthwatch Lambeth, Healthwatch Leicester, Healthwatch Sandwell, Healthwatch Westminster, and Healthatch Croydon. The article by George Lindars-Hammond  Senior policy analyst at Healthwatch England, highlights key points to change such as: 

  • Thousands face long waits for specialist NHS eye care, with many reporting worsening vision and little support while waiting.
  • Strong public support exists for expanding the role of community optometrists to reduce waiting times and deliver care closer to home.
  • Financial barriers persist strongly, with many avoiding eye care due to costs, even when eligible for free tests or vouchers.
  • Healthwatch urges systemic change, including government action, updated guidance, and more sensitivity from High Street opticians.

Read the Healthwatch Croydon report

 

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