Visus writes: Seizing the window of opportunity

Verum has treated us to a polemic that questioned the actuality or need for conflict between what s/he deemed the two sectors of the optical industry. Although superficially even-handed it comes across as ‘methinks the lady doth protest too much’.

First, there is evidence of what can happen when the pure professionals get together across independent and multiple sectors without malevolent influence. This is Scotland. Although the Scottish National Party does not have a lot to crow about it has continued the pioneering new GOS contract introduced under the first devolved administration (Liberal/Labour coalition).

For those too young to remember, the profession made its case through the collegiate working of Donald Cameron, Frank Munro and Hal Rollason. The different sectors; independent, multiple, College, AOP and FODO came together and the rest is, well, not history, it is embedded. These bodies put aside their differences and made the case for change. There is control over the scope of practice, reward (intellectual and financial) for doing a decent job and a sea change in capability via Independent Prescribing. The evidence is of a revolution the Royal College of Ophthalmologists has lately been calling for to manage the state of ophthalmic services across the UK.