Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the effect of excluding independent optometry practices from participation in publicly funded eyesight testing schemes on local economic activity.

National Health Service sight testing contracts can be held by specific individuals, including those practising in partnerships or corporate bodies meeting the requirements set out in The General Ophthalmic Services Contracts Regulations 2008.

The commissioning of enhanced eye care services falls within the scope of the Provider Selection Regime, which integrated care boards must follow when procuring healthcare services.