FODO issues warning over pre-reg places

To deny optometry graduates the ability to qualify in the profession because of a shortage of pre-reg places would be reprehensible, Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians chairman Brian Carroll has said.
This year the employersÕ optical body is looking forward to seeing the first graduates from Anglia Polytechnic UniversityÕs School of Optometry, which is financed by FODOÕs educational charity. However, Mr Carroll commented in the bodyÕs 2001 annual report and handbook that Ôthe shortage of optometrists remains a vital issueÕ.
ÔThis can and must be redressed and we need to look to our own collective resources to ensure that those graduating in optometry over the next few years can embark on their pre-registration year,Õ he commented in his introduction.
ÔTo deny well-qualified graduates the opportunity to qualify in their chosen profession, and to compete in the labour market, would be reprehensible.Õ
His call comes a fortnight after multiples urged the profession not to allow the VAT uncertainty to contribute to a placement crisis for this yearÕs pre-registration students (News, April 13).
Mr Carroll said the ÔVAT threatÕ, which could mean VAT being placed on dispensing services, was being tackled in co-operation with other optical bodies so it could be opposed Ôsolidly and logicallyÕ. This month Customs & Excise has postponed the imposition of VAT on dispensing until after a tribunal decision.
A seminar on the implications of the VAT ruling will take place following FODOÕs agm on May 16 at LondonÕs Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre.