Ten ICBs accused of blocking access to private care

Private providers have accused 10 integrated care boards of blocking access to eye care, which they argue is redirecting tens of thousands of patients to A&E and GPs.

Providers Newmedica and Specsavers identified 10 ICBs as decommissioning services, setting minimum waits, and capping referrals. 

The restrictions will lead to additional pressure on accident and emergency departments, GPs and other services, they argued in evidence submitted to the Parliamentary committee considering the Health Bill.

The ICBs told HSJ  they aimed to balance “patient need, clinical safety, waiting times, value for money and the fair use of public resources” – and argued NHS-provided alternatives were available.

Newmedica said Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICB had used an “indicative activity plan” to cut activity in its elective ophthalmology service by more than half year-on-year.

Meanwhile, Specsavers’ submission also identified Coventry, Sussex and Leeds as having either withdrawn or restricted community urgent eye care.

The high-street chain said in each of these areas, tens of thousands of patients were “now diverted to A&E or GPs”.

In addition, it said Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB had moved community glaucoma schemes back into hospitals and planned to cancel community eye care when its contract expires this year, with GPs and pharmacies to carry out the work.

Specsavers said the ICBs had restricted access to services to “save money”, but these would not be realised because they will “simply reappear as a trust overspend against its block contract for urgent and emergency care”.

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Source: HSJ, 13 July 2026