Profession seeks clear rules on supervision

The outcome of the recent GOC fitness to practise case involving Boots Opticians and the supervision of staff could have ramifications for practitioners across the country over the sale and supply of spectacles, the Association of Optometrists has warned.

As reported in Optician (03.07.09), Boots Opticians was fined £30,000 over a lack of supervision given to a trainee dispensing optician.

At present, there are exemptions to the deregulation allowing sale and supply or dispensing of spectacles by a non-registered or unqualified person. Patients under 16 and those registered as sight impaired are such exemptions. However, the recent fitness to practise case demonstrated a need for clarity about what is actually covered by the terms 'supply', 'sale' or 'dispense' and who is responsible for ensuring all parties are aware of the law, according to the AOP.