Moneo writes: Time to reject retail

There is no denying that the NHS as a functional body is in crisis. Why this is the case will be a topic of debate for many years to come and much of the money that should go to front-line healthcare will yet again be wasted on business managers, who will likely achieve nothing. However, our role on the front line must be to transform what we do for our patients if we are to avoid seeing increasing numbers of them suffer preventable sight loss.

It was heartening to read the interview given by Janice Foster, CEO at Locsu, at the end of last year. She highlighted the importance of the Optometry First Initiative in 2023, stating: ‘We’re working on a strategy, together with the whole sector. Optometry First is very much a sector-owned initiative. We see 2023 being a very big year for Optometry First. We want people to be getting their best eye care possible within primary care at the first opportunity, as opposed to going anywhere else.’ It is a mammoth task but, nevertheless, one we must all address.