Tell us: Are you getting the eye care you need?
Background
We have recently received funding to carry out a new research project to understand people’s experience of accessing eye care services in Westminster. This is part of Healthwatch England’s #ShareForBetterCare campaign and the launch of a national drive to learn about people's eye care experiences.
Eye care is an area where we’re hearing that people are facing long waits and high costs for care. There’s also evidence that eye care and related health issues disproportionately affect specific communities, such as those on low incomes, as well as ethnic minority groups.
That’s why it’s important we understand the eye care challenges people are facing and how to make sure people get timely and affordable access to eye care when they need it. But to do this we need your help.
What are we doing?
On 29 July 2024, we launched a survey which asks you several questions to find out:
- Are you getting your eyesight checked, and do you face any barriers?
- If you have been for an eye test or had other eye care, what was your experience like?
We want to hear from everyone, but we especially want to reach:
- People from ethnic minority communities, including Black African, Black Caribbean and South Asian communities. This is because people from these groups are at a greater risk of developing some of the leading causes of sight loss.
- People who may not have a large household income because of the barriers they may face.
- People waiting for secondary care to understand their experience.
Take our survey
The survey will close on 29 September 2024.
Why is this important?
This is a chance to make sure the experiences of people in Westminster are included in this national work.
Your views are vital to helping Government and NHS managers understand what’s working and what they need to fix.
