Newsome’s Notes

I was lucky enough recently to help our examinations department at the annual student revision event, supporting those revising practical skills for their final qualifying examinations. I really enjoy this event; it always sees the wall come down between the students and staff as we quickly move from strangers to being friends.

One student asked me: “So can I call myself an optician once I’m qualified?” I don’t think anyone misunderstood my reply: that is how I describe myself and my dispensing optician (DO) colleagues. Another student asked a perhaps more pertinent question about advising a patient presenting at the practice with suspected bacterial conjunctivitis: “What if my boss won’t let me do that?”

My opinion is that a newly qualified FBDO has within their core competence the knowledge needed to advise and help this patient. Initial triage, observations of signs, and questions about symptoms should be undertaken for a confident analysis of the problem. This is well within the skillset of a DO.

The condition can be competently identified, the patient can be given advice regarding irrigation to reduce the bacterial load, availability of topical antibiotics can be discussed, and the patient sent onwards to the nearest pharmacy quickly and efficiently without introducing the possibility of cross-infection to another patient or member of staff. This is all within the remit and scope of practice of a newly qualified DO.

I guess the only thing wrong with the situation is that we do not, yet, get rewarded for that knowledge and advice. Everyone – the patient, the business owner, and even the DO – undervalues what a great service this is. And I want to say to the boss who restricts the professional scope of practice of their employed DO, support and encourage your staff to develop and use their skills.

It is your loss if you don’t.