Optics states case for dementia guidelines

The four main optical organisations have called for imminent new clinical practice guidelines for dementia sufferers in England and Wales to include a firm commitment to optometry and dispensing optics.

The organisations claimed that optometry has up to now never been included in clinical practice guidelines, such as those for dementia sufferers to be published in December by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice).

'I'm afraid optometry is rarely mentioned in any document,' said Steve Taylor, professional adviser to FODO, which has made a joint call with ABDO, the AOP and the College of Optometrists for a bigger role for optometry.