Leaders of optics’ professional associations have described a meeting about proposed reforms in the Health Improvement and Protection Bill with the Department of Health as ‘constructive’, Optician Online can reveal
Tony Garrett of ABDO, Bob Hughes of the AOP and David Hewlett of FODO met health minister Rosie Winterton (pictured) on Thursday (October 27) to discuss proposals in the bill, now before Parliament, and the forthcoming review of the General Ophthalmic Services.
Garrett, Hewlett and Hughes branded the meeting ‘constructive’ and said that the Minister had made clear her commitment to Ophthalmic Services and her desire to expand primary care services without restricting choice, preventing practitioners from entering into the optical market or ending the demand-led nature of GOS for the provision of sight tests.
She added that the Government intends for PCTs to contract with a wider range of providers to allow dispensing opticians and lay-owned practices to contract direct rather than through ‘grandfathering’ arrangements and to establish a framework so that enhanced services can be commissioned.
Garrett said the bodies have established a productive relationship with the minister and that they look forward to this developing over time.
‘The Minister clearly recognises how much there is to gain from working closely with the profession. We came away with a clear impression that she understands that optometry and dispensing optics can deliver increased patient care in the community.’
Read more in this Friday’s OPTICIAN