ABDO responds to Wales eyecare review

ABDO clinical lead, Max Halford

ABDO has published its initial response to the Welsh government’s consultation on proposals to introduce regulatory reform of primary care ophthalmic services, which include potential positive changes for dispensing opticians (DOs)

“We are considering the proposals in detail and will provide members with further guidance as the consultation progresses,” said ABDO clinical lead, Max Halford.

On 24 April, the Welsh government launched an eight-week consultation on its proposals to introduce regulatory reform of primary care ophthalmic services.

The consultation – which can be found on the Welsh government website – closes on 19 June.

“Although the three aims of the consultation are described in terms of optometry, these proposed reforms will also impact on dispensing opticians working within Wales – and ABDO would urge members to consider the proposals and provide us with your feedback,” said Max.

The three key aims of the reforms are:
• Strengthening optometrist’s support and clinical care of people’s eye health
• Improving ongoing treatment and care closer to people’s homes and in the community
• Ensuring optometry services in Wales are fit for the future.

ABDO has said it welcomes the Welsh government’s intention to drive higher quality eyecare services and improved outcomes for its citizens and the recognition that: “Practitioners have the capacity and skill set to diagnose, treat, and manage more patients in primary care, providing care close to home and improving patients’ access to specialist eyecare services in a timely manner” – along with the intention of: “Up-skilling practitioners to work at the top of their license”.

“The reforms will potentially bring a number of positive changes, for example, the listing of dispensing opticians, payment for CPD, and new opportunities for dispensing opticians to work delivering clinical services beyond the existing GOS sight test,” Max continued.

“However, ABDO has concerns with regard to the suggested changes to voucher values and the impact this will have on dispensing to patients entitled to help towards their spectacles and recognition of the regulated clinical role that dispensing opticians have in practice.

“We also have concerns that the introduction of a mandatory requirement to supply a basic pair of spectacles within voucher values would require some practices to continue to have to subsidise the supply of spectacles to patients in need of financial support with their eye health requirements, and the damaging effect this would have on the quality of dispensing across the country,” Max added.

He continued: “ABDO would like to see more information on any additional opportunities and burdens the new five levels of GOS might bring to both contractors and clinicians – and the effect the proposed changes would have on the provision of domically services, in order to support members make a meaningful contribution to the consultation process.”

ABDO is working with Optometry Wales and UK sector bodies to ensure that the proposed changes bring positive benefits for patients in Wales and that the future role of dispensing opticians is considered as part of these reforms.

“We welcome the ongoing dialogue with Optometry Wales and the Welsh government in these matters – and hope that further information will be forthcoming to help members complete the consultation questions from an informed and balanced standpoint,” Max concluded.

ABDO members can share their feedback direct with Max Halford by emailing mhalford@abdo.org.uk