Martin O'Brien reports on the legislative changes affecting the optical profession in Ireland
On the positive side, 2011 saw the introduction of the first 'shared-care' type scheme between the Health Service Executive and the Association of Optometrists Ireland (AOI). Following a realisation that the waiting list in Cork University Hospital had lengthened considerably, negotiations between local GPs and staff at the hospital were widened to include an optometry representative and this led to approximately 5,000 patients being screened by optometrists in the community. The scheme has received enormous praise from the local medical community, despite some initial reservations from ophthalmic physicians in the area. The project marks a landmark in the development of the profession in Ireland, driven by the input of former AOI Council member Sue Doherty.
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