Profession is key to cutting waiting lists

Speaking to the Nottingham event Ð the first annual one-day conference and agm of its kind Ð the DoH's Bob Ricketts told delegates of plans to involve optometrists more. The head of access policy development and capacity planning explained what the NHS's Patient Choice project meant for optometry.
One delegate told optician: 'The implication for optometrists is there is a very strong will within government circles to utilise optometry much more Ð for instance the eye care pathways being launched in Leicester this week is a good example of their intentions to provide primary services to the public with the profession in mind.'
The conference replaced the previous biennial event, and organisers claimed it was a 'great success' with over 120 people attending.
New president David Cartwright (Boots Opticians professional services) took over from outgoing president Frank Munro, and Kevin Lewis, an independent optometrist, became vice president.
Other changes to the College council included the newly elected members Ð Gordon Batham, David Parkins, Kamlesh Gohill and Dr Cindy Tromans Ð and the retirement of David Alexander and Richard Broughton. Elsewhere at the event College members voted for a change in its governance structure, following its 2002 management review, and last year's consultation with members about proposed changes to its constitution.
The changes included a regionally elected Council, with responsibility for setting the strategic and professional direction of the College Ð a move designed to involve more College members in its decision-making processes. A smaller Board of Trustees, responsible for the management of the College and its finances, would support the new Council.
They will take effect from the next agm, scheduled for March 20 2005.