Eye experts drug prescribing plan

The consultation is due to last three months

Optometrists could soon be prescribing medication independently under new plans drawn up by ministers.

The move, which is being consulted on, could mean patients would no longer have to return to GPs for prescriptions or go to hospital for treatment.

The government said the plan would help speed up care for patients, and comes after nurse prescribing powers were extended earlier this year.

But doctors said the powers should be limited to safeguard patients.

Optometrists will often be more knowledgeable about these conditions than the local GP Lord Warner, health minister

Optometrists can already prescribe some medications, but only under the supervision of clinicians.

To gain the extra powers, which potentially could allow them to prescribe any drug for any type of eye or vision problem, optometrists would need to undergo extra training.

Health Minister Lord Warner said: "Optometrists have a unique set of skills to help people who are suffering with eye problems and will often be more knowledgeable about these conditions than the local GP.

Skills

"We believe that by giving them the ability to prescribe independently, we would not only be enabling them to make the most of their specialist skills but also be giving patients more choice about where and from whom they get their treatment."

Rosie Varley, chairman of the General Optical Council, said: "Optometrists are already trained and experienced in clinical decision-making and deliver high quality eye care services.

"Extending prescribing will mean more patients can be seen and treated quickly, conveniently and safely."

And Bryony Pawinska, chief executive of the College of Optometrists, said they should be seen as the first point of call for the public if they have a problem with their eyes.

But a British Medical Association spokeswoman said: "In order to safeguard patient care, the BMA's ophthalmic committee can only envisage extremely limited opportunities for optometrists to make therapeutic interventions.

"The committee will have to look at the proposals in detail before responding fully."

The consultation is due to last three months.