Opticians to treat common eye problems under new government plans
High street optometrists and opticians to be given new powers
- High street optometrists are set to gain expanded powers to treat common and emergency eye conditions under new government proposals.
- The changes aim to alleviate pressure on general practitioners and shift more healthcare into community settings, making treatment more accessible for patients.
- Optometrists and contact lens opticians would be authorised to diagnose patients and prescribe essential prescription-only medications for issues such as dry eye, severe allergies, and bacterial conjunctivitis.
- Specific medications that could be prescribed include acetylcysteine for dry eye, diclofenac sodium for post-cataract pain, and azithromycin for bacterial conjunctivitis, alongside other drugs for various eye conditions.
- Health Minister Stephen Kinnock and the College of Optometrists support these proposals, emphasising their potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on A&E departments and GPs.