Profession backs scheme to protect the vulnerable

Legislation that requires all optometrists and dispensing opticians to register with a new public body in order to protect children and vulnerable adults will be phased in this autumn.

Under the scheme, anyone working with vulnerable groups must register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

The ISA will enable information to be shared between employers, local PCTs and the police about their registrant's cautions, investigations and criminal convictions.

Optical employers will be required by law to check that their staff are registered with the scheme.

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Bill incorporates recommendations from the Bichard Inquiry, set up in the wake of the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman. It establishes a single list of people who are barred from working with children and vulnerable adults which any potential employers will be able to access.