UK extends high-street eyecare scope - a diagnostic/surgical opportunity?:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
UK optometrists have welcomed the government's approval of plans to extend prescribing to high-street eyecare providers as promising a developing role in the specialism. "Allowing optometrists to prescribe independently will complement their existing diagnostic skills and further develop their role in the management of eye disease," said Kevin Lewis, president of the College of Optometrists. The new prescribing powers, which are backed by the General Optical Council, were the subject of a consultation that ended in October 2006. The College of Optometrists is heading the development of new clinical management guidelines for the specialism.