In 63 pages the RNIB has researched, analysed and documented an issue which every practising optometrist and dispensing optician lives with on a day-to-day basis. The issue is that of domiciliary eye tests for the 650,000 over-65s who are not independently mobile and unable to seek out high street optometry services. It is nothing short of a scandal that nearly 10 per cent of the over-65s are effectively written off by the health services of this country. It is perhaps more worrying that this report highlights that home visits are becoming less available and in danger of being eroded further. The fact that it is the oldest, poorest and most vulnerable section of society cuts no ice with those who manage the financial affairs of today's National Health Service. Optometrists are at the cutting edge of eye care in the homes of the elderly and have been placed in an impossible position. The situation created for optometrists is clear. Look after the needs of the housebound elderly and you will lose out financially. The RNIB's document clearly identifies the problem as the lack of funding for domiciliary services. It calls for training, investment and regulation to bring a speedy change to the current state of affairs. A call that optician firmly believes the whole profession should support with the utmost vigour.