A week of news – is there anything optics can’t do?

Insurer RSA proposes this week that making eye tests mandatory for new drivers and renewals would save the economy millions – meaning the wheels are in motion for change in more ways than one.

The prospect comes hot on the heels of LOCSU’s movement for optics to step in and supply more enhanced services to meet NHS efforts to reduce the strain on secondary care.

It does beg the question whether there will be enough hours in the day for practitioners of the future?

RSA is wise to put forward a financial argument in the current economic climate. However, the Department for Transport’s attitude towards drivers’ vision thus far has been far from revolutionary, with the number plate remaining and an honesty-based system for declaring visual impairments.

So while many optical practices are ready and willing to step in and supply services for both referrals and driving applicants, they may just have to play the waiting game.