In Focus: AIO calls for government meeting

The Association for Independent Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (AIO) has written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Sajid Javid, to ask for a meeting to clarify why ‘it is vital that long term reforms to the provisions of eye care in the UK, and in particular England, are progressed urgently.’

In the letter, the AIO took aim at the slow pace of eye health care reform, the General Optical Services (GOS) fee and its effects on private practice, and the Opticians Act.

Speaking to Optician, AIO chair Dr Christian French explained why the Association felt compelled to contact the government: ‘The pandemic has put additional strain on secondary care and we find ourselves in an almost now-or-never position to introduce meaningful reform.