Optical bodies unite to block GOS reform

Optical bodies are preparing their case to put to NHS officials to avert government plans to place cash limits on the national GOS budget and devolve it to PCTs.

Winterton: responsible for ophthalmic matters

The profession's representatives are so concerned they are already talking about asking for urgent and direct talks with health minister Rosie Winterton, the minister responsible for ophthalmic matters, if Department of Health negotiators do not change their mind. 

Optics was horrified to learn of the proposals for the Health Improvement and Protection Bill, which also include plans to locally commission GOS sight tests (News, July 29). The proposals were set out in a letter from Derek Busby, from ophthalmic services at the DoH. The AOP, FODO and ABDO are all expected to meet shortly to decide how they should  take their strategy forward.

'We may have to seek a meeting with ministers if we can't resolve this with officials,' said FODO executive director David Hewlett.

They have written to the Government seeking clarification and stating that they could not support the current DoH proposals for the provision of NHS ophthalmic services under the Bill. It understood that Winterton is on holiday.