Chris Bennett: Law is an ass but politics is worse

Brickbats were being lobbed in the direction of the Opticians Act before the ink was dry on the vellum, so it is hardly a surprise that the GOC has called for evidence to have it amended.

A 16-week window has opened for all interested parties to offer evidence for change. Everyone in optics should make it a priority to respond because you can be sure consumer groups, service providers and internet retailers will see an opportunity.

The 1958 Opticians Act is still the basis of the law that all optical professionals must adhere to and the same law that internet retailers thumb their noses at. However, there’s a pretty attractive little baby amid that murky bathwater; the protected status of optical professionals.