Government proposes wider prescribing powers for optometrists to shift eye care into community

The government has launched a consultation to widen optometrists’ and opticians’ access to medicines, aiming to treat more eye conditions on the high street and ease pressure on GPs and hospitals.

Ministers said the 12-week consultation sets out proposed changes to laws on who can prescribe controlled medication for eye care. If adopted, the measures would allow eye-care professionals to issue prescriptions for conditions including dry eye, severe allergy and bacterial conjunctivitis, and to supply or administer medicines themselves in emergency situations.

Under the proposals, optometrists and opticians could either issue a prescription that patients could take to a local pharmacy or directly supply or administer treatment where appropriate. The government said the move is intended to shift more routine care into community settings "by empowering healthcare professionals to get care to patients’ doorsteps." Health minister Stephen Kinnock described the change as part of a wider plan to move services out of hospitals and into the community.

Officials at the Department of Health and Social Care said the policy is designed to reduce waiting times for primary care and streamline treatment for common eye conditions that currently lead patients to seek GP appointments or attend hospital eye services. The consultation will consider which medicines should be included and what safeguards and training would be required for prescribers.

The consultation document seeks views from clinicians, professional bodies, pharmacy representatives and the public on proposed amendments to prescribing legislation, governance arrangements and how to manage controlled medications in eye care. Responses to the consultation will inform any changes to regulations and the development of professional guidance.

Clinical leaders and professional organisations are expected to be key consultees, and any change would likely include requirements on training, record-keeping and clinical governance to ensure patient safety. The government has indicated that the proposals are part of its broader Plan for Change to expand community-based services and reduce reliance on hospital appointments for routine care.

Ministers did not set a timetable for implementing regulatory changes, saying the next steps would depend on the outcome of the consultation and subsequent drafting of secondary legislation and professional standards. The consultation document is open for 12 weeks, after which officials will review submissions before deciding on the scope and timing of any changes.