Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will hold discussions with the Association of Optometrists on the adequacy of funding for the special schools eye care service.

NHS England has committed to invest up to £12.7 million annually on the provision of sight tests and associated optical vouchers in special educational settings. This represents an approximate 87% increase compared to the current budget. This additional investment has the potential to increase coverage from 4% of special educational settings to 100%. NHS England has already engaged with the Optical Fees Negotiating Committee, which includes the Association of Optometrists.