Halloween launch for bid to prevent optical horror show

It has the potential to infuriate patients and wreck optical businesses. That was the message from the profession's representatives as they launched the campaign to stop proposals under the Health Protection and Improvement Bill.

The case against the measures - which will place cash limits on the GOS budget, devolve the budget to PCTs, and start local commissioning of the GOS sight test - was formally announced at the National Optometric Conference last week (see page 8).

Campaign organisers AOP, FODO and ABDO will take part in an eight-venue roadshow, starting on October 31, to galvanise support from practitioners to fight the bill by getting in touch with their local MPs.

These optical bodies warn that the consequences of the proposals could be dire, and wide-ranging. Most problematic could be the reduction in optical outlets as PCTs 'cherry-pick' the groups that will provide ophthalmic services in local areas.

In effect, the proposals could result in PCTs being instrumental in reducing the optical service to a local community, with fewer and fewer contractors.

'Patients would face being stopped from seeing the practitioner of their choice,' a campaign spokeswoman said, 'and could be forced to travel long distances to access eye care at inconvenient times. This could cause immense patient dissatisfaction.'

The campaign warns PCTs themselves that they will shoulder the blame for reduced services, and claims the proposals 'could land PCTs with extra burdens of responsibility and damage patient care'.

Bob Hughes, executive director of the AOP, said: 'Everyone needs to take responsibility and influence their local MPs during this time. What is required is that the Department of Health should consult all the stakeholders, as promised, before new legislation is enacted. We can then hope to achieve a proper, efficient and popular plan to provide patients with the eye care they deserve.'