Opticians to treat common eye problems under new government plans

High street optometrists are set to gain expanded powers to treat common and emergency eye conditions under new government proposals.

The changes aim to shift more healthcare into community settings and alleviate pressure on general practitioners.

Under the proposed rules, optometrists and contact lens opticians would assume a significantly broader role in diagnosing patients and prescribing essential medications.

This includes drugs for issues such as dry eye, severe allergies, and bacterial conjunctivitis. They would be authorised to sign off on prescription-only medicines in emergencies or for prescriptions to be filled at local pharmacies.

Among the specific medications that could be prescribed is acetylcysteine, used to manage tear film abnormalities in dry eye cases where standard treatments are ineffective.

Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu, clinical adviser at the College of Optometrists, said: “Enabling optometrists to supply a wider range of prescription-only medicines will ensure more patients receive effective treatment for many common minor eye conditions at their local optical practice, without having to be referred to a prescriber or wait for a GP appointment.

“If these proposals are agreed and implemented, optometrists can continue to play a key role in reducing the burden on A&E departments and GPs, who often lack the specialist ophthalmic training and equipment needed to handle most eye conditions.

“By expanding the number of medicines that all optometrists can supply to patients, optometrists’ core skills will be better utilised to improve patient outcomes and experiences, particularly where commissioned acute eye care services are available.

“We urge our members, all healthcare professionals and the public to support these proposals to improve eye care in the community.”

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Source: The Independent, 4 September 2025