Black highlights clinical role of optical practice

High street opticians are best placed to deliver primary eye care and should be the first port of call for members of the public seeking eye health advice Peter Black, president of ABDO told ITN in a recent media appearance.

Interviewed by Natasha Kaplinsky for the first in a series of features, Association of British Dispensing Opticians president Black said he welcomed moves by the Royal College of GPs to recognise eye care but said opticians were well placed to offer first-line advice.

‘High street opticians are in a better position to provide that care,’ he said. Optometrists trained for five years and DOs for three and had the necessary skills and were available to all. He said DOs had a particularly accessible role in that while an appointment for an optometrist was needed, DOs could often be seen straight away. ‘DOs do not test eyes,’ he told Kaplinsky, ‘But we are qualified to advise on eye care. The first port of call should be to have your eyes examined at an optician.’