I was heartened to read in View from the High Street, John Hopcroft (Boots Opticians, Bath) stating strong support for shared care. I couldn’t agree more with John that ‘it seems sensible for the optometrist to take some of the burden from the hospital eye service (HES).’ In welcoming the valuable input from optometrists, it is also important that we remember that many local services rely on the involvement of Dispensing Opticians and the co-operation of Practice Managers to be successful. We are also grateful for the skills of all of those involved in Local and Regional Optical Committees working to raise the profile of eye care and negotiating local services which as John notes not only ‘promote better patient care but are liked by the patients as well.’ If we are to continue to increase the number of eye care services provided in community optical practices it is critical that we tap into the skills and talents of as wide a pool as possible. I would encourage anyone reading this who is a contractor or performer to turn up at the next LOC AGM and lend your support to the colleagues working on your behalf.
Katrina Venerus, Director of Operations and Commissioning, LOCSU