Independent prescribing by '07

Optometrists could become independent prescribers by spring 2007, according to a draft timetable for the introduction of new regulations.

Speaking at a lecture organised by Bausch & Lomb in London this week (February 20), Professor Roger Buckley, chairman of the General Optical Council's standards committee, said that public consultation on independent prescribing for optometrists was due to begin this month and should be completed by May.

The Commission on Human Medicines would then consider the results of the consultation and ministers would make a decision in autumn 2006. If agreed, the regulations could change as early as spring next year, he said.

Independent prescriber status would give optometrists responsibility for assessing patients with undiagnosed eye conditions and for decisions on clinical management, including prescribing.

In June last year, the profession was awarded supplementary prescribing rights, under which practitioners must follow an individual clinical management plan drawn up by an independent prescriber, but can issue repeat prescriptions and have some scope to adjust dose.

Professor Buckley said that, in practice, supplementary prescribing was of value to optometrists in very few fields, notably in glaucoma co-management.