Moneo Writes

By the time I next write my column the May 6 general election will have taken place and, whatever the outcome, the opportunity for us to influence present and prospective members of Parliament will have passed. How will we have used the opportunity in front of us? Judging by the apathy with which the vast majority of this profession seem to approach most things to do with determining our future, I sadly suspect most will have missed their chance completely.

If at no other time, the lead-up to a general election causes a focusing of the minds of both the electorate and, to a far higher degree, the prospective parliamentary candidates. Therefore we, the electorate, have a major opportunity to reach these people and talk to them about our vision for future eye care services. Nothing annoys me more than hearing members of our professions complain about the way things are and then completely ignore opportunities to get involved and, in their own way, attempt to influence their future.