Eyecare in Scotland changed for the better in 2006 with the re-introduction of a universal NHS funded eye examination.
Every optometrist in Scotland underwent specific training and accreditation before the introduction of the new NHS eye examination, and every practice in Scotland received a grant to ensure that equipment levels were of a uniformly high standard.
The examination itself is very comprehensive and includes use of a Volk lens to view the fundus and routine dilation of over 60s. Negotiations for both the content of the eye examination and fees were, and continue to be, undertaken by Optometry Scotland(OS) which was formed in 2002.
OS is the lobbying group for primary eyecare services in Scotland. The executive is formed of representatives from UK sector bodies, including ABDO, and members of both multiple and independent practices from all regions of Scotland. OS’s mission is: “To sustain community eyecare services, mobilise the sector to influence policy, and build strong relationships ensuring Scotland remains at the forefront of eye health care.” This is done by holding regular meetings and consultations with members, whose ideas are then taken forward to the Scottish government and the other organisations who influence policy and fees.
Building excellent links
We currently have around 1,700 optometrists, 500 dispensing opticians (DOs), including 50 contact lens opticians (CLOs), and 100 student DOs in Scotland. Around 85 per cent of registrants are ABDO members, which is excellent, and we aim to support all members in whatever way we can. As ABDO’s representatives, myself and Brenda Rennie ensure that DOs’ views are heard when discussing present and future policy and eyecare provisions.
In addition to representation through OS, ABDO has an excellent relationship with the Scottish government and has regular meetings with the appropriate persons. Indeed, at one such meeting in mid-August we were joined by ABDO CEO Alistair Bridge, and clinical lead Max Halford, to meet with Scottish government representatives and incoming OS chair, Eilidh Thomson. We also met with Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) over the introduction of a new ‘earn as you learn’ DO course. We are very keen to support the training of DOs and are working with GCU to help it create the proposed new course.
As I write, OS is in the middle of a proposed restructure. This will result in a smaller, leaner executive committee able to execute decisions more quickly – and DOs will continue to be represented by Brenda going forwards.
As part of the EyeCare Review in 2017, a number of proposals were put forward for future provisions. A new national Low Vision Service has been proposed, which would involve DOs. Low vision is a core competence for DOs though the suggestion is that a short course, provided by NHS Education Scotland (NES), would be required for all wishing to take part in the delivery of the service. When funding is available, the service is ready to start.
Ready for registration
It is still the aim of all stakeholders in Scotland to have DO registration and we are hopeful that when this happens, DOs will qualify to receive the elusive CPD grant. We also have a community glaucoma scheme where stable glaucoma patients are monitored by suitably trained optometrists in community practice. Optometry practices are seen as the first port of call for all eye problems, which will help to further reduce the strain on the already stretched secondary care sector. DOs are heavily involved in the first port of call process by completing patient triage and giving advice and booking patients in for the appropriate appointments. We also have CLOs providing specialist contact lens clinics through the hospital eye service.
In Scotland, we also have an excellent relationship with NES and we provide CPD for all members on DO relevant topics every year. This is jointly funded by NES and ABDO, and provides valuable CPD to all members. In recent times, this has been delivered remotely through webinars – though we may consider more face-to-face events if that is what members would like.
We are both proud and privileged to have long-time Scottish representative Brenda Rennie as ABDO’s vice president for the next two years and thereafter as president. In recent times, we have been trying to encourage more members to get involved with ABDO in Scotland – and we are happy to report there are some fresh faces helping us out.
If anyone practising in Scotland would like to be part of our ABDO Scotland team, feel free to email me at gstevenson@abdo.org.uk
Graeme Stevenson FBDO (Hons) CL is ABDO regional lead for Scotland. He is an ABDO board member, chair of Optometry Scotland’s Dispensing Committee, a part-time supervisor at GCU, and a member of the General Optical Council’s Education Visitor Panel.