Peers hear fears over domiciliary eye care

Peers heard the importance of domiciliary eye care at a special briefing hosted by the profession last week at the House of Lords.

The meeting raised optics' concerns over the ophthalmic clauses in the Health Bill. Particular concerns were raised over domiciliary eye care not being included as an 'essential service' in a new ophthalmic services contract.

Baroness Cumberlege chaired the session, which included a demonstration by optometrist Julia Manning of the latest in mobile technology.

The London-based domiciliary practitioner discussed specific concerns about domiciliary eye care being retained as part of GOS, and she also demonstrated how equipment is used.

Peers who attended included Earl Howe, health spokesperson for the Conservatives, Lord Jenkin of Roding, Lord Faulkner of Worcester and Baroness Knight of Collingtree.

The professional was represented by David Hewlett (FODO), Bob Hughes (AOP), Tony Garrett (ABDO), and Bryony Pawinska (College of Optometrists).

Jayne Rawlinson, chairman of FODO's domiciliary eye care committee, who was also present, said: 'We welcomed this opportunity to press home the importance of domiciliary eye care and how essential a service it is.

'It's good to be standing up for our patients where it really counts,' she commented. 'A year ago we would not have been in this position.

'The peers were genuinely disturbed by the current reality of so many people going without eye care they desperately need and we look forward to their support in the next debate on the Health Bill.'