We have been made aware of the decision to cease the Hospital Eye Service (HES) Contact Lens Service in Herefordshire and Worcestershire from 1 April 2026, leaving patients with complex corneal conditions facing significant uncertainty. The Hospital Eye Service (HES) in the UK provides specialist, secondary care for acute, chronic, and sight-threatening eye conditions, managing high-demand cases like keratoconus, glaucoma and macular degeneration. It acts as a referral centre for complex cases.

For people living with keratoconus, specialist contact lenses are not optional. They are a lifeline.

A Patient Speaks Out

Ash Winter, who lives with keratoconus, has formally written to Jesse Norman MP and the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board (H&W ICB) to express his concerns about the decision.

Ash shared with us:

“I have recently sent a formal expression of concern to Jesse Norman MP and the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board expressing my concerns of the decision to stop the HES CL service, a vital service for people like me with keratoconus. I offer my full attention to advocate and advise as and where needed to support to find a resolution to this decision.”

Ash was informed that, despite twelve months of discussion and negotiation between the local provider, BBR Optometry, and H&W ICB, it has not been possible to agree on a sustainable model to continue the service.

While negotiations may still technically be ongoing, existing patients have now been told that:

• The service will cease on 1 April 2026
• No new patients will be accepted

For those who rely on these lenses to function day-to-day, that notice carries enormous weight.

“They Are My Lifeline”

Ash is clear that his intention is not to criticise individuals involved, but to highlight the consequences of the decision itself.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the service and value them to be my lifeline. I am not here to criticise anyone but the decision itself and my goal is to help reinstate it, or something similar.”

Specialist contact lens services provide bespoke lenses for patients whose vision cannot be corrected with standard glasses or soft lenses. Without access to them, many people with keratoconus can experience severe visual impairment, impacting:

• Employment
• Driving
• Independence
• Mental wellbeing
• Everyday safety

Access to specialist vision care is not a luxury. For many, it determines whether they can work, navigate the world safely, or maintain their independence.

What Happens Next?

Ash has been informed that the NHS is currently attempting to identify alternative provision. Jesse Norman MP has also asked to be kept informed as the situation develops.

We welcome continued dialogue and efforts to find a sustainable, geographically accessible solution that protects patients.

However, clarity, continuity and patient involvement must be prioritised.

Why This Matters Beyond One Region

This situation highlights a wider issue: specialist contact lens services across the UK are often fragile, under-resourced, and vulnerable to funding pressures.

When these services disappear, patients do not simply “find another optician.” Highly complex corneal cases require experienced clinicians, specialist equipment, and properly commissioned pathways.

Losing access can mean months – sometimes years – of instability in vision and quality of life.

Our Position

Keratoconus GB and the UK Charity Keratoconus Group stands firmly with patients affected by this decision and any future decisions made to reduce or close vital services around the country.

We support:

• Meaningful patient involvement in service redesign
• Transparent communication about future provision
• Sustainable commissioning models for specialist contact lens services
• Protection of access for those with complex corneal conditions

If you are concerned about the services provided in your local area, we encourage you to:

• Contact your local MP – we have written a letter template for you to send, find it here – https://shorturl.at/8IlSx
• Share your experience with us via social media search KeratoconusGB and Keratoconus Group online

Patient voices matter.

We will continue to monitor this situation and support advocacy efforts aimed at securing a viable, long-term solution for those who rely on specialist contact lens services.

Let us know if something similar has happened in your UK region, or if you have any difficulties in getting care and contact lenses for your keratoconus.