NHS FEATURES

Moneo writes
So, once again I am expected to work for another year within the NHS and further subsidise this government's coffers. Yet again I am told that the OFRC fought hard for a fair increase and achieved nothing. When will we wake up and accept that the Department of Health has always seen us as a soft touch? 09 November 2007

Comment: Comparative advantage
Optometrists in the UK frustrated by low NHS remuneration and increasing competition on eyewear would not have found Monday's The Times particularly encouraging reading.13 April 2007

NHS fraud alert
This year, Fraud Awareness Month (FAM) is taking place from November 9 to December 9, to coincide with the United Nations worldwide anti-corruption day and the European Fraud and Corruption Awareness campaign. 03 November 2006

Questions in the House
MPs were queuing up to probe the government's proposals on GOS at this week's Health Bill Debate, reports David Challinor02 December 2005

AMD campaign voiced in the House of Commons
Optometrists can help thousands of AMD sufferers through referrals, a Westminster meeting was told this week18 November 2005

Comment : England expects
The arrival of a favourable new NHS optometry contract for practitioners in Scotland must have come as bittersweet news to those south of the Tweed. 28 October 2005

The route to realistic fees
Further to letters in optician July 1, I shall continue to see patients without notifying the LHB and on the same day as the request if I feel so moved. I give clients an estimated time of arrival, give or take half an hour, and ring them just before arriving. Whether or not they require spectacles is immaterial as they pay a private fee of £90. They tend to be in because they are paying for the service and appreciate it has a value.08 July 2005