Scottish OOs take up NHS prescription pads

New direct prescribing legislation allowing optometrists in Scotland to medicate using NHS prescription pads has been embraced in the country.

Glasgow-based optometrist Frank Munro (pictured), one of those qualified to independently prescribe licensed eye-related medicines, said the changes were of ‘huge benefit’ to patients. The Primary Care Division of the Scottish government’s Health and Social Care Integration Directorate extended the IP legislation in September (News 06.09.13), meaning NHS prescriptions would no longer need to be signed off by a GP.

Munro said: ‘It’s a great opportunity for all optometrists to progress their skills but also for them to offer their patients complete care. They can treat their patients and medicate them at their practice without having to involve a GP or refer to a hospital.