Dispensing body ABDO has launched its own 'manifesto' ahead of the General Election.
The professional body hopes it can use the current campaign to reiterate the concern that its members are being left behind in the modernised NHS era.
'Britain's opticians need proper recognition by the next government,' it has stated.
ABDO's publication, launched the day after Optrafair, has accepted that the Government has rightly recognised the contribution made by optometrists in General Ophthalmic Services, and provided them with financial support for CET, in addition to their presence on local optical committees and recognition by primary care trusts.
However, it rails that DOs have not been given the same treatment.
'Dispensing opticians by contrast are denied any financial support, have no right to representation on local lists and are ignored by somePCTs,' it reads.
'While this is very frustrating for DOs, it is clearly not in the patient's interests either. DOs have a range of specialist skills which patients need. In this post-Shipman era it is more important than ever to treat all healthcare professionals equally in the public interestThe Government needs to act on this as a matter of urgency.'
Elsewhere in the document the Association acknowledges that promises of action have been made but nothing has been done. However, it hoped some movement for its members could be included in the review of GOS which is expected to start in earnest later this year.
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