The College has responded to the consultation on proposals to introduce Independent Prescribing by Optometrists by supporting “Option 3”, within which optometrists would prescribe for any ocular condition from a limited formulary. The response makes the case for not defining limitations on conditions within legislation but instead recommends that the profession should decide on what these are. Most conditions for which an optometrist might wish to prescribe can be treated from the range of drugs contained in Chapter 11 of the British National Formulary and the College believes that Option 3 provides prescribing optometrists with sufficient flexibility as long as legislation refers to Chapter 11 rather than a list of drugs.
College Council Members developed the College’s response, which is also supported by the College’s Lay Advisory Panel, who have emphasised the need for optometrists, as well as patients, to have the necessary safeguards in the form of training and regulation.
Since the development of competencies for independent prescribing is complete, the College also believes that if Option 3 were to be implemented, the proposed training and assessment of candidates would be of sufficient rigour to ensure patient safety without further extensive development work. The College is concerned about the cost implications for those who do wish to be prescribers and was therefore pleased to note the possibility of NHS funded training for prescribing.