College welcomes government proposed plans to extend range of medicines that optometrists can supply

“Enabling optometrists to supply a wider range of prescription-only medicines will ensure more patients receive effective treatment for many common minor eye conditions at their local optical practice, without having to be referred to a prescriber or wait for a GP appointment. The College, along with many others in the sector, have long called for a review of the Human Medicines Regulations Exemptions for optometrists, to improve patient access to timely treatment.  

“If these proposals are agreed and implemented, optometrists can continue to play a key role in reducing the burden on A&E departments and GPs, who often lack the specialist ophthalmic training and equipment needed to handle most eye conditions. By expanding the number of medicines that all optometrists can supply to patients, optometrists’ core skills will be better utilised to improve patient outcomes and experiences, particularly where commissioned acute eye care services are available. We urge our members, all healthcare professionals and the public to support these proposals to improve eye care in the community.”

Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu, clinical adviser at The College of Optometrists