Verum writes: The responsibilities of being a professional

The two regulated optical roles, optometry and dispensing optics, have protected status as a professional group. Only they are able to perform their role. However, I have a concern that we take that protected status for granted and do not in some cases realise what it means to be a professional? A number of recent examples in the optical world suggest that this may be the case, at least for some, and that this may be risking that protected status, with the benefits that brings in terms of status and remuneration. It is not enough to be competent or expert at your job, the term professional has a significantly wider meaning.