External Reports
Welcome to our External Reports page, see below for a collection of reports that showcase our ongoing commitment to providing enhanced eye care across England.
The safety and effectiveness of urgent/emergency eye care services in primary care across England: A policy review
Discover how community-based optometry services like MECS (Minor Eye Conditions Service) and CUES (Community Urgent Eyecare Service) are transforming urgent eye care in England. These models allow patients to access fast, local treatment for acute eye problems, reducing pressure on A&E and GP services.
Seeing clearly? Attending sight tests and accessing opticians
Regular eye tests are vital to preventing avoidable sight loss, but not everyone can afford to access them. This Healthwatch England report explores people’s experiences of visiting high street opticians, with a focus on how cost and additional charges can deter those on low incomes from getting the care they need. Based on feedback from over 2,500 people, the findings highlight the need for clearer communication, better financial support and strong integration of optometrists into the NHS.
A strain on sight: Waiting for NHS specialist eye care
This report explore the experiences of over 2,000 people across England who are currently waiting or have recently waited for NHS specialist eye care. With nearly 600,000 people on ophthalmology waiting lists, this research reveals the series impact delays can have on people’s daily lives, mental health and vision. It also highlights the need for better referral pathways, clearer communication and greater use of community optometrists to improve access and reduce waiting times.
Public Perceptions Research General Optical Council
Annually, the General Optical Council (GOC) commissions independent research to explore public perceptions of eye care across the UK. This 2025 report, produced by DJS Research, reveals how satisfied people are with their eye care experiences, their confidence in managing eye health, and how accessible they find services. The insights inform GOC’s regulatory work and help shape policy to ensure eye care meets the needs of all communities.
A New Front Door: Reimagining Primary Care for the Next Decade
This series brings together bold, visionary essays from Optometry, Community Pharmacy and Dentistry primary care providers. Published by the NHS Confederation, this collection imagines a future where care is more local, connected and preventative, placing high street services at the heart of neighbourhood health.
PSIRF Overview
The Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) incorporates our overarching patient safety strategy and aligns to the NHS approach to developing and sustaining efficient systems and procedures for responding to patient safety incidents.
