Optics welcomes move to halt vetting scheme

The decision to put the vetting scheme for people working with children and vulnerable adults in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on hold has been welcomed by the Optical Confederation.

Under the scheme, optometrists and dispensing opticians working with vulnerable groups have been obliged to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). Optical employers have been required by law to check that their staff were registered with the scheme. However home secretary Theresa May announced on June 15 that registration, due to begin next month, has been put on hold.

Commenting on behalf of the Optical Confederation, Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians chief executive David Hewlett said: 'This is good news and what we have been lobbying for over the past 18 months. The original legislation was rushed through Parliament without proper consideration or consultation.'