Chris Bennett: Chance to bridge the gap

Optometry has waited long and fruitlessly for government to provide a top-down invitation to work with ophthalmology.

Successful models of working have been demonstrated but postcode lottery thinking, changing priorities and lack of trust have often got in the way. How and where optometry should link with ophthalmology is a big question that spans the whole gamut of surgical eye care. At one end of the spectrum the two can interact outside of the NHS where private surgical vision correction offers options for well-heeled patients. At the other, high street optometry could help a hospital eye service that is struggling to cope with the sheer number of patients.