There’s some significant news knocking around at the moment, like the DVLA’s vision testing services tender going to Specsavers and the launch of a consultation on a proposed optometry apprenticeship. Both will have ramifications for independent practice.
The DVLA’s decision to award a lucrative contract to Specsavers will leave a sour taste in the mouth for many, but is it such bad thing? As we know from drivers’ willingness to ignore advice on their sight, the right to be behind the wheel is an emotive issue. In the case of Group 2 lorry and bus licence holders, it’s their livelihood.
This emotion will be heightened significantly when a patient must visit a practice to determine their fitness to drive. Practitioners tell stories of being threatened with violence after tests and verbal abuse when results don’t go the patient’s way seem to be commonplace. Time is another factor to consider as repeating elements of the tests can make the whole thing seem rather open-ended.
For the remuneration on offer, independents may find they don’t really miss offering the service that much and their time might be better used offering another service that’s more tailored to their strengths.
Driver testing could well be something that’s soon carried out by optometrists who have qualified via apprenticeships. It’s one of the most politically divisive stories I have covered during my years on Optician. The vested interests are fascinating – both from those for and against such a qualification existing. It could be the Brexit of optics. Which should be fun.