ABPI warns of fragmentation of eye health services

The infrastructure of eye health services in England have become overly fragmented in a way that could damage the long-term viability of the system, according to the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI).

A new report has been published by the organisation entitled 'Better vision for all', which is based on desk research and in-depth interviews with more than 20 key stakeholders in the eye health community.

It noted that the number of people registered as blind or partially sighted in England is rising fast and the NHS is struggling to keep pace, with the complexity of eye care delivery by primary, secondary and social care providers spanning the public and private sectors contributing to this.

The report suggested a number of measures to address the problem, including the appointment of a national clinical director for eye health to offer strategic leadership.

Lord Low, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Eye Health and Visual Impairment, said: "Without a leader to drive the implementation of change … the system will fail to withstand the increasing pressures it faces and more patients will needlessly lose their sight."

The ABPI represents research-based biopharmaceutical companies across the UK, with its members supplying 90 per cent of all medicines used by the NHS.