In focus: Review marks crossroads for Optical Confederation

News last week that Chris Hunt was to step down from his position as chairman of the Optical Confederation (OC) has prompted the association alliance to launch an internal review of all aspects of its work and its role in the future.

But does an alliance where each of the five member bodies are working towards individual goals still have a place in an increasingly fragmented optical landscape in the UK?

‘Absolutely,’ said FODO chief executive David Hewlett emphatically. ‘There is more need now for the OC bodies and partners to work together than ever before. General Ophthalmic Services are severely undervalued and underfunded, the review of regulators is back on the agenda, the education and training for optometrists and opticians is up for review.