The AOP responds

The AOP believes that the only way to ensure the provision of a high quality optometric service in primary care is to fund it properly. Economically viable funding will result in:

- High calibre entrants to the profession

- A motivated and valued workforce

•    - A properly equipped profession willing to invest further in new technology

•    - A suitably trained profession willing to invest in their own education and development

•    - Practices located in easy to get to locations, making eye care accessible to all

“Economically viable” means that the fee should, as a minimum, cover the practice’s costs in providing the service. Every practice should be able, when run efficiently, to make a profit from its provision of professional services.