ABDO responds to King’s Speech
©House of Commons
ABDO has responded to the King’s Speech, delivered to parliament on 13 May 2026, as follows:
The King’s Speech 2026 has set out the government’s legislative agenda, including significant plans to reform the NHS through a new NHS Modernisation Bill. While much of the detail will develop over time, the direction of travel is clear: a continued move towards a more joined-up, community-focused, preventative, and digitally enabled health service.
For dispensing opticians (DOs) and the wider optical sector, these proposals could have important implications – bringing both opportunities and challenges as the NHS evolves.
Changing NHS landscape
The proposed reforms aim to reshape how the NHS operates by:
- Streamlining national structures and reducing duplication
- Strengthening local decision-making
- Expanding the use of digital systems and shared patient information
- Shifting care away from hospitals and into community settings
- Increasing the emphasis on prevention and patient involvement
A central feature is the development of a single patient record, intended to bring together health and social care information and improve how patients and professionals access and use data.
Alongside this, changes to NHS structures – including the transition of responsibilities from NHS England to the Department of Health and Social Care and a strengthened role for integrated care boards (ICBs) – will reshape how services are planned and commissioned.
What this could mean for dispensing opticians
Although the reforms are still progressing, they signal a potential shift in how eyecare is delivered and integrated within the wider system.
The move towards more community-based care aligns well with the skills and expertise of dispensing opticians, creating opportunities to:
- Play a greater role in integrated eye care pathways
- Support preventative care and long-term condition management
- Contribute to areas such as low vision, post-operative care, and patient support
- Benefit from improved information sharing across services
However, it is important that community-based care recognises the opportunity of using the network of existing optician practices, making use of the existing technology and expertise needed, rather than focusing on the creation of costly diagnostic hubs.
At the same time, the changes may bring new expectations, including:
- Increased use of digital systems and shared records
- Greater focus on data governance, cybersecurity, and record keeping
- The need to engage more closely with local commissioning and NHS structures
- Potential variation in services depending on local decision-making
There is also likely to be a period of transition and uncertainty as new arrangements take shape, particularly around commissioning, funding and service delivery models.
Importance of local engagement
With a stronger emphasis on local systems, the role of ICBs will be increasingly influential in shaping services. This creates an important opportunity for DOs to become more involved in local service design and delivery. However, it also means that engagement at a local level will be critical to ensure that:
- The value of DOs is recognised and understood
- DOs are included in future care pathways and service models
- Eyecare is properly represented within integrated primary care planning
Without strong representation, there is a risk that decisions may not fully reflect the contribution DOs can make.
ABDO’s role in shaping the future
As these reforms progress, ABDO and its regional lead team are actively engaging with government, NHS bodies, and system leaders to ensure that the voice of dispensing opticians is heard.
This includes:
- Advocating for the inclusion of DOs in emerging care models
- Engaging with national and local decision-makers
- Supporting the profession to navigate system changes and new expectations
- Promoting the role of dispensing opticians in delivering high-quality, patient-centred care
Our focus is on ensuring that any changes to the NHS work for patients and for the profession, and that dDOss are positioned to play a full and recognised role in the future of eyecare.
Looking ahead
The King’s Speech maps out a significant period of NHS reform. While many details are still to be confirmed, the direction is clear – and it presents a pivotal moment for the optical sector.
For DOs, this is an opportunity to help shape the future of community eyecare. With the right engagement and representation, these changes could support a stronger, more integrated role for the profession within the NHS.
ABDO will continue to work on behalf of members and in collaboration with sector partners to influence how these reforms are developed and implemented – ensuring that the benefits are realised for both patients and DOs.