Comment: Does this sound familiar?

While retail optics beats itself up about the flaws in its business structure and the multitudinous optometry bodies increase the output of policy from their newly formed cabal, it would be easy to assume that optics is in need of a major overhaul. But is it?

One of the biggest mistakes any profession or trade can make is not seeing itself in the wider context. Many in the optometry profession are still kicking themselves for not keeping a closer eye on how the dental profession managed the government over funding and reform. It proved that non-cooperation, blackmail and threats are the tools to use when negotiating with politicians. Optics' more reasonable approach left it out of pocket but the less well-off in society with access to excellent eye care.