NEWS 13 BABO Irfaan Adamally has succeeded John Stevenson as chairman of the British Association of Behavioural Optometrists (BABO). He said: “I am honoured to take on the role of chairman of BABO from John who has done much to establish behavioural optometry as a recognised and respected optometric discipline.” John commented: “I have really enjoyed my time as chairman Irfaan Adamally of BABO and working with the dedicated and growing number of optometrists in the UK, and internationally, offering vision therapy treatment.” Irfaan added: “The need for behavioural optometrists is a growing one with some patients having to wait up to six months for care from an accredited optometrist. One of BABO’s goals during my tenure is to create programmes that allow us to meet that need. I want to build on the work John has done to continue increasing the awareness of what we can do in the UK, increase the number of accredited behavioural optometrists in the UK, and collaborate with researchers to translate clinical experience into publications that allows us to improve the way we work and help our patients.”
14 Fight for Sight
Need to research highlighted
Fight for Sight will publish a landmark report this month highlighting the social and economic impact of sight loss in the UK. The charity will also unveil a costing tool to demonstrate the current and future costs of sight loss, and the need for investment in eye research. An interactive webinar will launch the report – Time to Focus – on 16 September from 3.30pm to 5pm. Professor Sir Peng Tee Khaw and other leading scientists, partners and supporters will discuss the report findings.
AN INDEPENDENT VIEW Ongoing concerns for the sector One of the concerns that has been expressed by independents during the Covid-19 emergency is the potential for temporary measures introduced by the General Optical Council (GOC) to become permanent – to the detriment of both optometrists and dispensing opticians (DOs). This includes contact lens prescribing and aftercare arrangements, and registrants working in different settings. The AIO will liaise closely with the GOC to ensure that emergency measures do not become the new norm, and that the integrity of the clinical professions is protected. Perhaps a bigger concern, however, is the GOC’s Education Strategic Review (ESR), now out for yet more consultation. The GOC asked for feedback on its Scheme for Registrants and the AIO duly responded; we have also engaged with the College of Optometrists to ensure the voice of independents is heard. It is vital that the ESR is set against a backdrop of the optometry profession becoming the recognised providers of primary health care in the community. Current concerns include the heavy weighting the GOC appears to be putting on non-clinical elements practice. The AIO is also acutely aware of the major discomfort felt by DOs, clearly voiced by ABDO, and is equally determined that the role of DO is enhanced and not damaged in this process. Greater efforts must be made to ensure that the DO’s role is guarded to the same degree as other protected titles within the profession. As retail takes a stronger grip on optometry, the line between non-qualified, unregistered optical assistant and qualified, registered DO must not be allowed to blur further. There has been suspicion that there will be an attempt to introduce apprenticeships ‘through the back door’ but so far there is no evidence of this. However, whilst the Apprenticeship Trailblazer Group has not met since lockdown, to the best of the AIO’s knowledge it will reconvene in due course. With so much uncertainty and stress for optometry students at this time, the introduction of apprenticeships should be suspended at least until the Covid-19 situation has been fully resolved and the optometric landscape appears clearer. It is vital that independents have a distinct voice that is heard and respected by the GOC and the College – and the AIO is fulfilling that role.
Chief executive at Fight for Sight, Sherine Krause, said: “Our report will demonstrate the impact of sight loss and how potential investment in research now could transform people’s wellbeing and reduce the huge economic and social costs. These issues are more important than ever in a post Brexit and Covid-19 landscape.” To take part in the webinar, visit www.fightforsight.org.uk Vision Now SEPTEMBER 2020
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