Bill Harvey: Job’s tears

Increasing numbers of eye care practices are now offering specialised assessments over and beyond what might be considered a routine eye check.

The high prevalence of symptomatic dry eye disease (DED) has, without doubt, facilitated this and community optometry is in a perfect position to offer a dedicated service for the assessment and management of DED. All boxes are ticked. A large patient base wanting something done about a condition all too often pooh-poohed by doctors but is enough to affect quality of life – check. And willing to pay for the service – check. Tailored assessment using a wide range of specialist tests and equipment which optometrists are fully qualified to use – check. A range of treatments and advice to manage the various forms of DED – check. The potential to offer ongoing management as factors change over time – check. An evidence base to support intervention – check.