The Department of Health and the General Optical Council have issued a consultation document on the planned amendments to the Opticians Act. The draft legislation proposes to make changes to the way in which optometrists and dispensing opticians are regulated by the GOC.
In the introductory letter, health minister John Hutton and GOC chairman Rosie Varley said: '[We] want the regulation of opticians and registered companies to become more accountable, open and transparent, and responsive to the increasing pace of change to the provision of ocular health services and goods.'
Proposed changes include:
The DoH and GOC propose plano contact lenses will only be sold under the direct supervision of an optical practitioner or a doctor. Views are being sought on the issues of aftercare, instruction and providing a specification.
Prescription contact lens suppliers will have to provide a prescription for use elsewhere. 'This would provide greater freedom for patients to safely purchase their contact lenses by mail order and the internet.'
All practitioners will be required to be insured against professional liability.
The GOC will have new powers and alter its structure. For example, the disciplinary committee will be abolished and replaced by an independent fitness to practise panel, which will handle cases faster and have additional powers to issue warnings and fines of up to £50,000 for misdemeanours.
Proposals also include the creation of a direct route to registration for practitioners with qualifications obtained in a non-EEA state 'while maintaining standards'.
Other amendments include the recognition of therapeutics, the requirement for CET involvement and foreign practitioners will continue to be assessed for admission to practise.
Consultees have until July 30 to respond.
Plano contact lenses will be regulated and liability insurance will become compulsory as part of the sweeping changes about to affect the profession.