The Association of Optometrists highlighted a number of eye care issues to the Department of Health last November, and I met recently with Professor Ian Philp, the national director for Older Peoples Services, to discuss the contents of the NSF and its implications for optometrists. It is certainly true that the drive to reduce falls in the elderly should present optometrists with an opportunity to become more involved in the provision of care to older people, but Local Optometric Committees and Area Optometric Committees will still have to work hard to convince the commissioners of healthcare (principally Primary Care Groups and Primary Care Trusts) that optometrists are the best option to help them implement the NSF. The AOP will be issuing guidance to LOCs and AOCs in April on the implications of the NSF for optometrists, looking in particular at the assessment process, which will be a key feature of the implementation of the NSF's recommendations. In the meantime, any optometrists approached by their local health authority, PCG, PCT or LHG to discuss involvement in this initiative are very welcome to contact the Primary Care Team at the AOP for advice. Stephen A Ryan AOP Primary Care Manager