Echoes of the past: Lasting belief in optics

Optician in February 1975 offers a useful perspective of how inflationary pressures over the past 30 years have impacted optical professionals.

The cover price of Optician was a modest 15 pence, while a joint working group committee was considering whether to accept an increase in the General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) fee to £2.50.

In the same month of 1975 that  Margaret Thatcher was elected as leader of the Conservative Party and AC/DC released its first album the committee was busy trying to settle a fair fee for the eye examination.

GOS discontent has escalated since, with optometrist Ian White beginning an online campaign arguing that the negotiating process for today’s £21.10 GOS fee now requires an overhaul (News 13.02.15) and the value of full eye examinations again emphasised in this week’s news pages.