The College of Optometrists has published further guidance on the fitting and supply of plano contact lenses, including clarification on the responsibilities of an optometrist 'generally directing' the sale or supply of zero-powered contact lenses.
The latest guidelines follow on from the changes to the Opticians Act in 2005 and are designed to reflect changes to different sections of the Act. A bullet point has been added to existing guidance on zero-powered lenses to remind practitioners that while the legal aspects of supply may be different, their professional responsibilities towards the wearers of plano lenses are the same as towards wearers of powered lenses.
The College also advises that paragraph 28.04 of the Act has been rewritten to clarify that if contact lenses are supplied by or under the supervision of a registered optometrist, dispensing optician or medical practitioner the specification does not legally have to be verified by the supplier, although the College considers that it remains in the patient's best interests that this is done where practicable.
In separate advice on dealing with diabetic patients, an extra paragraph has been added, stating that it is unprofessional for practitioners to dissuade a patient from attending a local diabetic retinopathy screening service that is accredited to NSC standards.
An additional paragraph has been included in the Act reminding practitioners that they should record the batch number and expiry date of drugs that are used in their practice.
? A guide to the changes is available on the College website www.college-optometrists.org