In recent times ABDO has made significant steps to radically restructure activity to ensure dispensing opticians are integral to eye care services in the UK. Whilst it is conceivable that results may not be immediate there is a clear direction of travel to ensure longevity and stability. In addition, it is evident that the landscape is changing and opportunities to expand scope of practice as well as utilising current skills will present themselves.
Over the past 18-24 months since the ABDO board endorsed the concept of change, the formation of the Regions and the National Clinical Committee (NCC) has taken place with tangible progress occurring. The emphasis for all those now involved is very specifically on the profession moving forward and creating various opportunities dependent on the area of practice the individual wishes to move into.
In December 2016, the Local Optical Committee Support Unit (LOCSU) board agreed that contact lens opticians would be suitably placed, pending demonstration of competence and accreditation, to deliver anterior eye elements of Minor Eye Conditions (MECS) along with Goldmann Repeat Readings (GRR) focussing purely on the measurement of intraocular pressures.
After further discussion with colleagues from LOCSU and WOPEC, contact lens opticians can now embark on the pathway which will see them become MECS accredited practitioners alongside their optometrist colleagues.
Arguably this is the most significant advance of professional activity for members since deregulation and provides an excellent opportunity to enhance an individual’s skills set.
Clearly this falls in line with the ABDO board’s aspirations to advance the character and status of dispensing opticians and provides excellent opportunities for ABDO members.
At this stage, ABDO would like to establish how many contact lens opticians would like to embark on this pathway. Please respond with full details including your name and ABDO number to express your interest to general@abdolondon.org.uk marked MECS/CLOs. It is anticipated that the course will be available during the latter part of 2017.Full details of how to access the training pathway will follow.
We are sure you will agree this is a momentous step forward and presents an excellent opportunity to develop professionally.
