Verum writes: It's important to raise public awareness of the value of optometrists

Over the past weeks the leaders of our profession have put in a lot of effort to bring together all sectors of the optical community. The intention being to raise awareness of impending change in the structure of healthcare, to debate the opportunities and threats this poses, and most importantly, seek consensus on the way forward. Last week key opinion formers were brought together by the Optical Confederation, while The Local Optical Committee Support Unit has toured the country, bringing regions up to date with the thinking on the government's fundamental reform of the NHS. However, the vision of exactly what will happen is nearer 6/60 than 6/6. That is not a criticism in any way of our optical leaders as my conversations with various health professionals indicates no one knows exactly what will happen. For every one who is in favour, there is one who is not. There is huge variation in views as to who will be providing healthcare and in what situations. For instance, over a pint at my local this week, a consultant ENT surgeon friend welcomed the changes and remarked that he could see the demise of many district general hospitals. In the same conversation a local GP disagreed with both views, pointing out previous failed attempts to get successful GP fund-holding.