We are pleased to see that NHS England, along with the other nations, recognises the important role that optical practices play in providing services to patients. Following the letter we sent to the Minister for Prevention, Public Health and Primary Care Jo Churchill MP on 1 April 2020, NHS England confirmed some financial support for contractors in England. We are now working with the Optical Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC) to better understand the details of these measures and their implications for practices and our members, and will release a full statement on this as soon as possible.
In this guest column, Kevin Gutsell, President of ABDO, reflects on how closely aligned the professions have become – and must continue to be – as the eye care landscape evolves.