Ask the Expert: Katrina Venerus

The discussion began with a question on what schemes had been set up to enable the 200 independent prescriber (IP) optometrists to use their qualification.

Responding, Venerus said LOCSU’s initial remit was to look at the core competencies and how through LOCs countrywide they could get better utilisation for core skills. ‘You might know about PEARs, which is now more commonly known as the minor eye conditions service. It’s easy to see how you could develop this service and look beyond the scope of core competencies, using people with specialist qualifications, IP being the main example and build that into the core services delivery model.’