Written question asked by Marsha De Cordova (Labour) on Friday, 29 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 June 2026. It was answered by Stephen Kinnock (Labour) on Thursday, 4 June 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Ophthalmic Services

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of community‑delivered Minor Eye Conditions Services and Covid Urgent Eye Care Services in areas where they are commissioned, including their effect on (a) patient outcomes and (b) referrals to secondary care.

Answer: Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for assessing the health needs of their local population and for commissioning primary and secondary eye care services to meet them. Local systems may take different approaches to meeting the needs of their local population, including decisions on commissioning enhanced eye care services, such as minor and urgent eye care services, in the community. In areas where these services are commissioned, ICBs are responsible for evaluating their effectiveness.

Secondary information