Preventing sight loss: a parliamentary priority
More people are living with eye conditions than ever. Ensuring people can access expert treatment quickly isn’t just good healthcare – it’s smart policy
Karen Croker, NHS Relationships and Contracting Director, Newmedica
What’s the impact on individuals and their families?
“Sight loss can change everything,” says Karen Croker, NHS Relationships and Contracting Director at Newmedica, a leading provider of NHS ophthalmology services. “It can mean loss of independence, difficulty staying in work, and increased isolation.”
What’s the impact on the NHS?
Karen continues: “Ophthalmology is already one of the NHS’ busiest specialities, accounting for nearly 10 per cent of the entire waiting list. Delays to NHS follow-up care remain a key risk, particularly for conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), where regular monitoring is essential to protect sight.
“The impact doesn’t stop there. Sight loss increases the risk of slips and falls. It adds pressure on families, social care and wider NHS services. The challenge is clear – but so is the opportunity to do things differently.”
What about the postcode lottery?
“Access to care still varies depending on where people live,” she explains. “Many MPs and peers will recognise cases where patients can access treatment in one area, but not in a neighbouring one. For patients, this can mean longer waits, fewer options – and avoidable deterioration in their sight. Reducing unwarranted variation is an opportunity to improve outcomes.”
Is this a systemic challenge?
Praising NHS colleagues, Karen adds: “NHS teams work tirelessly for patients every day. But rising demand and demographic change mean the system needs support to keep pace. The solution isn’t one organisation working harder – it’s better collaboration.
“With Parliament, the NHS and independent providers working together, there is an opportunity to expand capacity, improve access and deliver better, more consistent outcomes for patients.”
Is patient choice part of the solution?
“Absolutely,” concludes Karen. “Giving patients a real choice over where they receive secondary eye care helps them access services that meet their needs. It also encourages services to be more responsive, helping the system adapt to demand while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
“Choice, used well, is a practical lever for improving both experience and outcomes.”
Find out more about Newmedica at www.newmedica.co.uk.
A parliamentary invitation – new report launch
15 July | 2.30pm – 5.30pm | Thames Pavilion, HoC
To support this conversation, you’re invited to the parliamentary launch of a new report commissioned by Newmedica. The report explores how ophthalmology services are commissioned across England –and how those decisions shape patient demand, access, outcomes and waiting times. It highlights the importance of aligning services with real patient need and reducing regional variation.
The event will bring together MPs, peers and clinicians to share practical solutions and discuss what better care could look like in communities such as yours. There’s also a chance to experience a driving simulator, demonstrating vision with and without cataracts – including a light-hearted hazard perception challenge with a live leaderboard.
To attend, please RSVP to [email protected] or attend on the day with a valid parliamentary pass.
To arrange a constituency briefing or visit, contact Newmedica’s Public Affairs & Engagement Team via the same email.
