The College of Optometrists

The College of Optometrists has welcomed an announcement from the Department of Health stating that optometrists who undergo relevant training will be granted the right to prescribe medication independently.

 

Optometrists wishing to become an independent subscriber will need to complete the GOC’s approved training and enter their speciality in the General Optical Council’s register. Once they are fully trained they will need to keep their skills up to date. All optometrists are currently trained to recognise eye diseases and can prescribe therapeutic drugs to non-sight-threatening eye conditions such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, minor trauma and dry eye.

Kevin Lewis, president of the College of Optometrists, said: "Allowing optometrists to prescribe independently will complement their existing diagnostic skills and further develop their role in the management of eye disease.

"The College is working with City University in developing clinical management guidelines that will be available shortly to support optometrists undertaking independent prescribing."

Roger Buckley, chairman of the GOC’s standards committee said, “This move has the potential to transform the public’s perception of optometrists, as well as the ways in which the country’s eye care services are delivered. Optometrists are highly qualified clinicians but they remain a largely untapped resource in health care, with the capacity to provide high quality, convenient services for patients with a wide range of common and long-term eye conditions.

 

 

“GPs are likely to welcome the option of referring patients to a local prescribing optometrist, particularly where access to a hospital ophthalmology department is difficult or where there is a long waiting time for non-urgent appointments.”

 

Optometrists may also currently train and register in two therapeutic prescribing specialties. Optometrists registered as Additional Supply specialists are qualified to write orders for, and supply in an emergency, a range of drugs in addition to those which can be ordered or supplied by a normal optometrist. Registrants with the Supplementary Prescribing specialty are qualified to manage a patient’s clinical condition and prescribe medicines according to a clinical management plan set up in conjunction with an independent prescriber, such as a GP or ophthalmologist.