Reply from the College

I was concerned to read Mr Slater's letter regarding College Secretary Peter Leigh's comments in In Focus about the Government's recent decision to restore funding for NHS eye examinations to those over 60 from next April. The College, along with most other optometric bodies, has since 1989 been pressing the Government to restore funding for NHS eye examinations to a wider group and in particular the over 60s. The College has always supported the funding of eye examinations for those with an increased risk of glaucoma. There is a well documented and significant increased risk of open-angle glaucoma among the Afro-Caribbean community and the disease can occur at a much younger age than in other populations. The College was therefore disappointed that, in reviewing the availability of GOS eye examintions, the Government had not taken the opportunity of including such high-risk groups as those of Afro-Caribbean ethnic origin. I am surprised that, in view of the well-documented scientific evidence, Mr Slater finds difficulty with this argument. I was also disappointed that Mr Slater believes that the College strives for its own self-enlargement. The College exists to promote high professional standards for the benefit of the public. The College and its members can be proud of the work that has been done to increase the standing of the profession with the public, the Government and the medical professions. Richard H R Broughton Vice President The College of Optometrists