A week of news - healthy dose of optimism

A stem cell trial to treat eye patients not only featured in this week's Optician but made headlines in the wider media.

The trial, taking place in California, reports measurable improvements in the vision of patients with Stargardt's macular dystrophy (hESC) and dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD). Similar trials are now underway at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London too.

Also in this week's news was reaction to the government's decision to include an eye health indicator in its public health outcomes framework. It comes as a boost to the optical profession - having lobbied long and hard for consideration.

The Optical Confederation, College of Optometrists, Royal College of Ophthalmologists and UK Vision Strategy all take some credit for the breakthrough, which pushes eye care higher up the public health agenda.