The phrase ‘it has been quite a week’ has been repeated so many times that I hesitate to print it again – but, among the many major news stories that are bombarding us on a daily basis at the moment, I am sure readers have already started taking stock of the jury decision last Friday finding an optometrist guilty of gross negligence manslaughter. It is a tragic case all round and I am sure much comment will ensue, especially after sentencing and the concurrent GOC fitness to practice reaches its conclusion.
Paramount must always be the heartfelt sympathy toward the suffering now felt by the patient’s family. The best response by the profession has to be a widespread reassurance of the standard of practice offered throughout the UK and confirmation of ways to minimise future tragic events. Indeed, this was emphasised after the trial by Detective Superintendent Tonya Antonis from Suffolk Police. ‘If this case makes the optometry profession reflect on their practices and review their policies to prevent it happening to anyone again, or encourages other parents to take their children to get their eyes tested with the knowledge that any serious issues would be picked up, then it will be worthwhile.’
A few initial thoughts. Joined up patient management, particularly with regard to liaison between professionals and those completing delegated functions, is essential. Failure to complete a full examination on the basis of poor patient co-operation cannot be argued unless some alternative and appropriate plan of action is clearly stated and recorded.
This week sees the launch of the House of Lords consultation period regarding the future of the NHS – click here to watch. The more evidence of the usefulness of community-based optometrists and opticians in providing appropriately funded and competent primary care services that patients are easily able to attain and can trust, the more secure the future of the profession and the efficiency of much NHS service.