Simon Jones: Independent thinking

I like the Association of Independent Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (AIO). As an organisation, it doesn’t mess about when it comes to opinions – chutzpah that can only be maintained through independence.

It’s no-nonsense letter to Health Secretary Sajid Javid about wide-ranging reform to the Opticians Act and General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) will resonate with most optometrists, dispensing opticians and business owners. It’s what needs to happen, but will it?

Having just read reports on Javid’s white paper proposals for ‘academy style’ hospitals, there could be cautious optimism about the direction of travel of the NHS and its services. Under the plans, hospitals deemed ‘poorly performing’ would be turned into reform trusts, which could then be handed over to private businesses or other outside interests. The rationale is that these measures would drive up performance, deal with weak leadership and crucially, tackle slow adoption of best practice within the different facets of the NHS.