Thank you Barry Church for highlighting the follies of current optometric shared care schemes (Letters, April 20). I fully support optometrists extending the scope of their practice but not at a discounted rate. I have yet to see a shared care scheme that pays realistically, which should be enough to pay the practice overheads, cost of equipment and the optometrist's expected hourly salary, with no dispensing necessary.
Mr Church is right. We can not bemoan current levels of remuneration through the GOS and then take on extra work for equally silly fees. If the NHS wants us to do this work then let it pay us accordingly, otherwise let it make alternative arrangements. I don't need any quasi-medical kudos thanks. I in the meantime shall try and hone my business ability and carry on selling glasses and contact lenses, which is what pays for my clinical skills. David Shannon London W11
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