Optometry will be better off if Scotland votes yes for independence

In September, Scotland chooses between two futures. One preserves the British state in its current form for the foreseeable future. The other dismantles three centuries of union, and with it, the United Kingdom’s world-power pretensions. There are some very specific optometry questions to be answered and there is also the question of what type of Scotland we would like our children and grandchildren to be brought up in.

Firstly let us look at where we stand in the optometric profession at present in Scotland. In 2006 a Scottish NHS eye examination was re-introduced. This was accompanied by significant changes in the content of the eye examination itself. This has been widely accepted as being a huge leap forward for eye care in Scotland and indeed eye care provision in Scotland is regarded as a model for many countries to aspire to. The eye exam is free at the point of delivery and, of course, our practices are adequately rewarded in return for delivering such services. In addition the Scottish government awarded equipment grants and NHS Education for Scotland (NES) helped train optometrists to deliver the new eye care regime.