PCT revamp little concern, says Association of Optometrists

The Association of Optometrists has welcomed the restructuring in October of primary care trusts (PCTs) in England and claimed that most optometrists would notice little change in practice.

AOP chairman Trevor Warburton said PCTs 'were too small' and plans to halve the number from 303 to 152 was likely to achieve the aim of improving the operation of the health service.

'Some local optometric committeess may need to merge,' he said. 'Or there may be some overlaps so there might be some juggling between them.'

Warburton suggested that LOCs might allow cross-membership, with members of disbanded LOCs joining existing LOCs which take over their functions, until the next committee elections next year.