Chris Bennett: Dr Feelgood or a Fairground Attraction?

Students and newly qualifieds are increasingly the topic of discussion among practitioners, the optical bodies and other members of the optical chattering classes.

Everyone has their take on the quality and number of optometrists being produced. How the universities produce too many or too few, while degree courses are accused of not moving with the times. Once qualified the ability of new graduates to deal with real people, their commercial acumen and their mobility have all come under the spotlight. But how often are the next generation offered the chance to say what they want and feel?

This week Optician gives the floor to two optometry students who are calling for optometrists to be allowed to use the title doctor. On one level this may appear to be two young high achievers looking for recognition as medical professionals but, Optician argues, the idea has a lot of merit.