Recognition for DOs

The Department of Health can no longer be allowed to ignore the compelling body of evidence building in support of the role dispensing opticians can play in the delivery of eye care services.

The contribution made by DOs is well accepted and understood by the profession but it is a message that has failed to lodge in the consciousness of politicians and civil servants at the DoH. If there was ever a case within the profession to state and stress the blindingly obvious to the rule-makers it is now.

For years the business success of high street optical practices has provided good value for the NHS. The sale of products dispensed by DOs has long subsidised the sight test and allowed the fee paid by the NHS to lag way behind the true cost. But as CET compulsion and PCT regulation have been introduced the DoH has failed to recognise and reward the contribution optics, and DOs in particular, have made.