Independent system set up for complaints

An independent adjudicator has been appointed to handle complaints related to domiciliary eye care.

The Optical Confederation said it had set up the Independent Adjudicator Service (IAS) through previous handler the Domiciliary Eyecare Committee (DEC). Until now, complaints have been dealt with by the DEC.

'This has been an effective and economical arrangement to date,' a confederation statement said. 'However, despite the facts that all complaints have been dealt with impartially and most have been resolved to the satisfaction of all concerned, it is recognised that times have moved on and a more demonstrably independent system is now required.'

Under the changes, an independent adjudicator, named as former General Optical Council registrar Peter Coe, will report to the DEC and make recommendations including changes to the Code of Practice for Domiciliary Eye Care.