Look local: Newport in the line of sight

Newport is fast evolving into an eye services hub. During the industrial revolution its proximity to the river Usk, the coast and mine shafts of the South Wales valleys created a major area for coal exports and steel production in the UK. Despite losing its core industries the borough has adapted and has a diverse metropolitan population, leading to its city status being granted in 2002. There are 12 optical practices in the city.

Sali Davis chief executive of Optometry Wales says the Welsh government’s employment of a chief optometric adviser has facilitated a working relationship with the profession in Newport to move beyond the restrictions of the 1948 NHS terms of service for general optical services.