A strain on sight

Eye care is the busiest outpatient speciality in the NHS in England, and with an ageing population, demand is set to grow further. 

According to NHS statistics, of the nearly 59,000 people currently waiting for specialist eye care as of December 2024, only two thirds (66.8%) have been waiting less than the 18-week target set by Government, compared to a target of 92%. 

Our research reveals strong public support for greater use of staff in high street opticians, as people bear the brunt of long waiting times for specialist eye care. 

We are calling for optician services, including optometrists, to have more responsibility for managing people’s eye care and referring them on for specialist treatment to help cut waiting times. Additionally, actions such as those proposed in the Optometry First model are needed to improve communications and support for people waiting for eye care. 

• Getting referred for specialist eye care can be challenging. Our survey of those currently waiting shows that almost a quarter (22%) had to have multiple appointments before being referred.
• Many people experience long waiting times for specialist eye care. As of December 2024, only two thirds of those waiting have been waiting less than the 18-week target set by Government.
• Of those currently waiting, nearly two thirds (64%) had been waiting more than four months for care, while nearly one in four (24%) have waited over a year.
• Of those currently waiting for treatment, 70% said they have noticed some deterioration in vision, compared to 53% of those who had received eye care treatment in the last two years.
• Over half of those currently waiting said the wait had affected their ability to work (54%) and carry out daily household tasks (52%). Seven in ten (69%) said it had affected their mental health and three quarters (75%) said it affected their ability to continue with hobbies.
• Very few people had support while they waited or were kept up to date by services. Just 4% said they had been given information and advice to help with day-to-day activities like working.
• Many people are unable or unwilling to access private care to avoid waiting.
• There is strong public support for optometrists to play a more significant role in helping those needing specialist eye care.