AIO POLICIES

1. Optometrists should become the first port of call for all eye problems and should be able to access NHS data for their patients that may be relevant to eye

2. The GOS Contract needs to be revised to take account of modern practice and more aligned with the models in Scotland and

3. AIO believes that Government must stipulate that optical outlets cannot claim a fee for an eye examination or sight test from GOS public funds that exceeds any sight test fee advertised or offered to the public by that outlet or associated group. In practical terms this means the Contractor shall not demand or accept from PCSE the payment of any fee or other remuneration in respect of any item of service: 

   • 86:1 which has not been provided under the Contract; or

   • 86.2. for which another claim has already been submitted to PCSE; or

   • 86.3 which exceeds the lowest advertised sight test or eye examination fee offered by the Contractor.

For the sake of clarity, the Association proposes that GOS1 claim forms include the statement:

“No claims can be made for GOS sight tests for sums greater than the practitioner’s lowest advertised sight test price.”

4. Refraction should continue to be regulated under the Opticians

5. Any ‘whistle blowing’ implemented by the GOC should be through a third party and not the GOC itself. Standards for students should only apply when they are dealing with patients.

6. The GOC should be challenged to police illegal practices in the supply of optical products in the UK. Adjustable focus eyewear should only be fitted and supplied under the direction of Optometrists or Dispensing All professionals should report any instances of illegal activities to the Regulator.

7. Enhanced pathways should be agreed by all the relevant national bodies, nationally adopted and centrally Optometrists should be empowered to manage simple eye conditions without having to refer patients to secondary care providers.

• • • In the meantime, AIO will support LOCs engaging with CCGs to implement the LOCSU

    • In particular, the Government should fund a National strategy for Optometrists to screen all groups of people who are at risk of glaucoma, and direct referral pathways should be established from Optometrists to Ophthalmologists for patients where the disease has been

    • Also, ocular hypertension and glaucoma in a stable stage should be managed by Optometrists in a primary care situation with a seamless system of referral back when significant changes are

    • The Government should make additional funding available so that Dispensing Opticians receive the same financial support for CPD as Optometrists.

8. AIO advocates the introduction of a Doctor of Optometry Degree and use of the term Doctor of Optometry for those holding appropriate higher qualifications. (Further discussions with the academic community are required). In the interim, professionals should continue to use the current terms of Optometrist and Dispensing

9. AIO encourages all members to use the terms ‘Patient’ and ‘Eye Examination rather than ‘customer’ and ‘eye test’.

10. AIO strongly opposes any commercial pressures which compromise the delivery of professional clinical service by its members in the course of their professional work.

11. Any national contracts concerning vision should be awarded in the best interests of patients and not necessarily to the lowest cost tender.

12. All AIO members should strive to sign up to Eye Promise

13. AIO strongly encourages the GOC to better police its own regulations.