Letter: Laser guided

We are writing in response to Bill Harvey’s article ‘Dynamite with a laser beam’. We feel the statement ‘The AOP has said its indemnity will cover IP optometrists undertaking SLT’ needs further clarification so it is not misinterpreted.

The AOP’s member insurance does include cover for appropriately-trained IP or non-IP optometrists undertaking SLT laser treatment for glaucoma but only in a hospital setting and not an optical practice. It is the AOP’s view there are additional requirements that currently cannot be satisfied in an optical practice including the lack of oversight by ophthalmologists.

We will continue to monitor the situation, and should this change, will review our cover.