ABDO answers critics of its refraction plans

Debate has continued on the issue of dispensing opticians winning the right to refract eye patients - with further responses from two leading optical bodies.

The Association of British Dispensing Opticians, which has proposed a separate register for refracting opticians, said concerns about its plan were understandable but misguided.

Both the College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists have expressed public health concerns related to the proposal.

However, ABDO vice president Peter Black said, assuming opticians could only refract within the recall period specified by the optometrist since their last eye health check, refraction could actually improve patient safety.

He said: 'The optician could easily simply dispense spectacles to the 12-month-old prescription but would be well advised to refract the patient to ensure the prescription is as accurate and up to date as possible.