Specsavers Releases Access to Care 2026 Report at Labour Party Conference

Specsavers launched its Access to Care 2026 Report at the Labour Party Conference on Sunday, 27 September. The report highlights that sight loss affects 2.38 million people in the UK, a figure expected to rise by 31% by 2040. It proposes a new care model aimed at saving approximately £2.91 billion annually by 2040 through expanded community services and reduced hospital pressure. Key insights include the positive impact of devolved nation investments in Wales and Scotland, the clinical value of community glaucoma services per NHS GIRFT guidance, and significant regional variations in eye care access visualized via an interactive map. Specsavers also emphasized primary care optometry's role in health reforms and cited adding £1.767 billion in gross added value to the UK economy in 2026.