College president urges better links with ophthalmology

College of Optometrists president Dr Mary-Ann Sherratt promoted high street optical practices but called for better communication from hospital eye departments during a panel discussion at the annual England Vision Strategy conference in London this week.

High street optometrists, she told the England Vision Strategy Conference in London, were ideally placed to help reduce pressure on hospitals.

Addressing around 200 delegates across the sight loss and eye care sector, Dr Sherratt said: ‘We feel that optometrists have a vital part to play in intervention pathways right through to rehabilitation.’

Also on the panel, Royal College of Ophthalmologists trustee Melanie Corbett said standards must be set for eye care delivery across the eye care professions.