New technology will bring new standards, says GOC chief Samantha Peters

General Optical Council chief executive Samantha Peters has spoken on the changing nature of optometry and dispensing optics and how the regulator intended to respond with new proposed standards.

Speaking at the Westminster Health Forum eye care conference, Peters said the sector was experiencing a ‘technological tsunami’ where treatments, therapeutics and practice were developing faster than ever, which could present opportunities to enhance patient care. She cited glucose-monitoring contact lenses, remote diagnosis from computers and high street optometrists now being able to carry out tasks that normally meant trips to a hospital.

She said: ‘There is significant potential for optometrists to be managing and treating conditions such glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, as well as providing acute services, in their practices away from hospital.