Moneo writes: Why I am an optometrist

It is hardly possible that we have arrived at December. This month finds me in reflective mood.  We go to work every day and do what optometrists do and then go home and switch off. But once in a while it is good to stop and reflect on what it is we do and why. This year, as in any year, there have been highs and lows. I have been privileged enough at times to assist people in literally saving their sight. This is till something that humbles me and always causes me to stop and realise just how important the role of an optometrist can be. There have been times when I have had to try and rebuild someone’s confidence as they have been told they can no longer drive due to the progressive worsening of vision. Times like that make me realise just what an extended role we now play as optometrists. Probably the most frustrating incident was that of a person three days younger than me (believe me that’s young!!). This person had early onset cataracts and due to this was unable to successfully carry on working. Being on the borderline of their local CCG thresholds for surgery they were not allowed surgery and I had to fight for some three months through various appeals to get the surgery done. The stupidity of it all was that by the time the CCG agreed to surgery his vision had worsened to the extent that he was eligible within their criteria anyway. The delay cost the individual work and much stress but also probably cost the CCG more in meeting costs to discuss the matter than had they allowed the surgery in the first place!