The time is right

There can be no doubt that there is a move within optometry and the wider medical profession to see prescription rights granted to optometrists.
The findings of opticianÕs research into the subject (see page 5) shows the near unanimity of optometrists on the subject, but more importantly, the support the idea now enjoys from other professions.
The research, sponsored by Advanced Medical Optics, conducted among GPs, ophthalmologists and optometrists shows that nine out of 10 GPs are in favour of the idea that optometrists should be able to use ocular therapeutic drugs. Even a majority of the sceptical ophthalmologists believe the time is now right.
Training and timing were two of the areas the respondents to the survey were quizzed on and both threw up interesting results. Not surprisingly optometrists were keen to receive extra training before they got involved in prescribing. However, most said they favoured a system of course attendance at a learning centre, followed by an examination process.
The second surprise was delivered by the GPs who were keener to see optometrists prescribing than the optoms themselves. Over half of the GPs questioned wanted to see optometrists gain their rights within a year compared to less than a third of optometrists wanting change on the same timescale.
Winning the argument for the right to prescribe is one thing, having it enshrined in legislation is another. The deadline for submissions to a consultation document from the Department of Health on the issue will pass later this month. optician will deliver a copy of the report direct to the department to get the message across: optometrists are ready to prescribe therapeutic drugs Ð now.