Alistair Burt says eye care profession has key NHS role

The importance of high street practices in helping the NHS was emphasised by health minister Alistair Burt, who delivered a speech on the role of eye care professionals last weekend.

He told practitioners: ‘The NHS sight testing service provides wide choice and convenience for patients and provides a key means to detect vision problems early and, as such, is very much at the front line of preventing sight loss.

‘Your professional knowledge, skills and experience is so important to us in ensuring that the interests of patients lie at the heart of the reformed NHS.’

Burt, minister of state for community and social care, took to the stage at ExCeL London during 100% Optical on February 6. His appearance at the show was confirmed after meeting representatives from the Optical Confederation late last year.