Independent way to a better salary

What have we done to our young professionals? £16k for a newly qualified optom (Comment, September 16), little more than an optical adviser is outrageous.

I started 20 years ago on £18k, when you could buy a decent flat in the south east for less than that, and we had grants not student loans.

I blame non-optical marketing managers and boards of directors, who don't have a clue what goes on in the consulting room; they sit in their plush offices, dreaming up the latest 'free sight test offer' given  away with a glossy magazine or bottle of toilet cleaner.

No wonder the NHS wants to put the GOS1 out to tender and cap the funds. They think we can all work for nothing.

My advice is don't sell yourself to the nearest 'pimp', go independent, it's easier than you think, and the AOP is there to support you. After all, optoms have what the fat cats don't - the ability to write a prescription and a registration number.

They won't last long in their ivory towers without us. Let them subsidise their 'latest offer' out of their colossal profits, and not your salary to which you've earned the right.

D Bennett
Cornwall