Quick answer
LOCSU’s 2025 to 2026 annual report, published in October 2026, records 487 locally commissioned eye care services in England at 31 March 2026, with 99% of Local Optical Committees running at least one. Around 80% of the population can now get minor and urgent eye care through a local optometric practice. For independents, enhanced services are a source of clinical income beyond the NHS sight test, but they usually need imaging equipment, a suitable clinical room and trained staff. Planning that investment now puts a practice in a position to take on new pathways as they are commissioned.
What the LOCSU report shows
As reported by Optometry Today on 8 October, the Local Optical Committee Support Unit’s annual report records 487 locally commissioned services across England by 31 March 2026 (OT: 487 locally commissioned services). Nine new services were contracted in the year, 99% of LOCs had at least one live enhanced service, and 65 LOCs were in live discussions with commissioners.
The report highlights pilots that point to where primary eye care is heading, including cardiovascular disease case-finding in optometry settings across several integrated care board areas and an AMD referral filtering pilot in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. It also notes support for a government proposal to extend the medicines optometrists and contact lens opticians can use.
For practice owners, the message is that commissioning is broad but uneven. Which pathways are funded, and at what fee, depends on the local integrated care board, so the first step is usually a conversation with your LOC about what is commissioned in your area, what is in negotiation, and what equipment and accreditation each pathway needs.
A changing market around independents
The wider market is moving too. Optometry Today reported on 8 October that Wittington Investments has agreed to acquire Boots’ retail business in the UK and Ireland, including Boots Opticians, in a deal reported at around £6.5 billion and expected to close in the first quarter of 2027, subject to regulatory approval (OT: Boots acquisition deal). The buyer has said it plans to invest in stores and expand healthcare services.
For independent practices, clinical capability and local relationships are the clearest ways to stand apart. The most recent NHS sight test fee change in England, published in December 2025, set the fee at £24.13 for tests from 1 April 2025 (NHS England: GOS fees update), and many owners look to enhanced services, private eye examinations and specialist care to build a more balanced income.
The investment enhanced services need
Commissioners and LOCs usually expect practices delivering enhanced pathways to have the right equipment and trained clinicians. That can mean OCT and retinal imaging, visual field analysers, slit lamps with imaging, and IT that shares referrals securely. Equipment finance spreads the cost over the working life of the kit, and our guide to hire purchase and leasing explains the differences.
Some practices also need a second clinical room or a refit to fit new services around the testing diary, which refurbishment finance can cover. Funding further training or an extra optometrist is set out under recruitment and training.
Buying, selling and succession
Independents also change hands as owners retire. A buyer will usually look at the practice’s mix of NHS, private and enhanced service income, the equipment in place and the lease. Our pages on practice acquisition finance, goodwill finance and succession and exit explain how these deals are usually funded.
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Common questions
How many enhanced eye care services are there in England?
LOCSU’s 2025 to 2026 annual report records 487 locally commissioned services across England at 31 March 2026.
What was the latest NHS sight test fee change?
NHS England’s update of December 2025 set the General Ophthalmic Services sight test fee at £24.13 for tests dated on or after 1 April 2025, backdated to that date.
Can an optician practice finance an OCT scanner?
Often, yes. Equipment finance, including hire purchase and leasing, is commonly used for diagnostic equipment, subject to status and lender criteria.
Does checking my options affect my credit file?
No. Instant Quotes involves no credit search. A lender only runs its own checks, with your permission, if you choose to apply.
Official sources
Published 15 October 2026. Figures and dates are taken from the sources named and were correct on that date. This article is for general information only and should not be treated as legal, tax, accounting or financial advice. Funding availability and lender requirements depend on individual circumstances.
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