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.
As the AIO points out, community optometry has been ready to relieve pressure on the NHS and save taxpayer money for a number of years, but more importantly, benefit the eye health of the public. It shouldn’t need a ‘business case,’ but the cost-efficiencies should be clear.
Where academisation becomes a little murkier is when businesses put profit above all else. As has been seen in school academies, businesses have looked to take bigger slices of profit at a time when their budgets are being squeezed. Something has to give and it’s usually pay and conditions.
The AIO points out the commercial interests within the Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC) and blames this for the lack of progress when it comes to GOS. It does seem strange that independent representation with the OFNC is extremely low. Yes, they’re ‘independent’ optometrists, but an association for independent practitioners should really be part of the OFNC’s work.
