Profession prepares for life after PCTs

Optical practices have been urged to form a strong relationship with GPs ahead of NHS reform but should expect similar levels of bureaucracy.

Primary care trusts (PCTs) would be abolished from April 2013 under the government's Health and Social Care Bill 2011, leaving funds for enhanced services such as glaucoma monitoring and red eye clinics to commissioning boards led by GPs.

David MacVeigh, optometric adviser for Devon, told Optician: 'New commissioning plans will be GP-led, meaning optometrists have to build a relationship with their local GPs. If you want to get something done you have to put together a business plan and then convince them that you can provide the service to a higher quality and for less cost than they are currently paying.'