The vital role of community optometry in alleviating Northern Ireland's growing eyecare crisis was highlighted at a recent event in Stormont, attended by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Permanent Secretary Mike Farrar.

Organised by Optometry Northern Ireland (ONI) as part of Eye Health Week 2025, the event showcased how community-based services can transform access to care.

Permanent Secretary Mike Farrar affirmed the Department of Health's commitment to service delivery closer to the patient, stating that community optometry demonstrates how early detection of problems, reduction of waiting lists, and easing pressure on hospitals can all be achieved while improving patient outcomes.

Mr Farrar noted that the Department's Reset agenda prioritises building services that are sustainable, patient-centred, and responsive. This involves a strategic rebalancing of the health and social care system to shift more care into the community, reserving hospitals for those with the most urgent needs. "As we take forward the Department's Reset agenda, our priority is to build services that are sustainable, patient-centred and responsive to need," Mr Farrar said. "That means shifting more care into the community where it can be delivered quickly and effectively. The focus is on rebalancing the health and social care system so that care is delivered closer to home, hospitals are used for those who need them most, and services are planned for long-term sustainability. I want to thank our network of 700 optometrists who are highly skilled, local, and ready to help with 95% of the population living less than five miles from a practice."

The Reset agenda also emphasises prevention and early intervention, which are particularly crucial given Northern Ireland's ageing and rural population, leading to increased demand for eyecare. Successful initiatives, such as the PEARS Plus pilot, have already demonstrated the model's effectiveness, with 89% of acute eye conditions being treated in the community, resulting in quicker patient access and significant financial savings for the health service.

In conclusion, Mr Farrar stated: "The Department will continue to work with partners to expand community-based services, support new models of care, and invest in the workforce of the future. By embedding the reset principles into eyecare and learning from existing eyecare service reform at a system level, we can ensure a health system that is safe, high-quality, and sustainable for patients now and for generations to come."