Our Access to Care 2025 report shows real examples of how neighbourhood care helps more people get the care they need, quickly, closer to where they live.
We’re here to help you get the care you need, when you need it
NHS Confederation chief executive Matthew Taylor contributes to the report.
‘We must evolve and adapt to new and different ways of working to serve our local communities best so the NHS as a model of care, free at the point of need, survives well into the 21st century. The government’s 10-Year Health Plan provides the opportunity to drive this fundamental change and some of the examples detailed will help pave the way.’
Looking after our sight and hearing is vital for our physical and mental wellbeing
The personal stories in this report show the real impact of neighbourhood care.
In the government’s 10 Year Health Plan Prime Minster Sir Kier Starmer declared that:
‘More care will be available on your doorstep and from the comfort of your own home’.
Supporting Derek to care for Margaret
Derek Brown has been the primary carer for his wife, Margaret, since her diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease in early 2018. Margaret now requires a wheelchair for mobility and has a hospital bed in their lounge. Derek is devoted to providing around-the-clock care. He arranged a home appointment through the local Specsavers home visits service for her routine eye test.
‘With a calm and gentle approach, the team were able to determine Margaret’s prescription and suggested trying reading glasses. I was unsure at first and wondered how she would adapt to wearing glasses, but she managed well – I love watching her smile as she sees our old family photos more clearly now,’ said Derek.
‘Regular eye tests are essential’
At a local community event, Esther met colleagues from Specsavers and Glaucoma UK. She learned that people of African Caribbean heritage are at higher risk of glaucoma, which motivated her to book an appointment. She was prescribed glasses and eye drops for dry eye. She left feeling confident and informed.
Esther has advice for others: “There’s nothing to worry about,” she says. “Glaucoma can be treated if caught early. You might not notice changes in your vision, so regular eye tests are essential.”
‘Now I can hear my customers properly – that makes a big difference’
‘Now I can hear my customers properly – that makes a big difference’
Big Issue vendor Gheorghe Ardeleanu struggled with hearing loss for six years after a swimming accident. Hearing issues made chatting with customers difficult, and accessing care felt overwhelming. With support, Gheorghe finally received treatment.
‘Now I can hear my customers properly,’ he says. ‘That makes a big difference.’
We need a whole system solution to meet the growing need for eye and hearing care. Your local Specsavers opticians and audiologists are already delivering vital NHS services, but we could be doing so much more.
We are working to transform access to care, offering people greater convenience, choice, and control, wherever they live.
If you would like to receive an accessible word version of the report, please email pressoffice@specsavers.com
