Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the number of eye-related attendances at emergency departments in England that could be safely managed in community optometry settings.

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided in the House of Commons on 11 September in response to Question 26418 which, for ease of reference, is reproduced below:

“Integrated care boards are responsible for deciding whether to commission enhanced eye care services from high street optical practices to meet the needs of their local populations. This is in line with the 10-Year Health Plan’s commitment to local decision making.

“As part of our 10-Year Health Plan, the Department is investing £20 million to equip high street optometrists with the digital tools they need to refer patients faster and more accurately, helping more people get convenient eye care closer to home.

“Accident and emergency departments should still be used for genuine emergencies, and we expect patients to be assessed and directed to the service that best meets their needs.”