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Major Change in Rules Around Conditions Opticians Can Treat
Proposed changes aim to reduce hospital visits by enabling optometrists and contact lens opticians to prescribe a wider range of medicines for minor eye conditions, officials said.
- The UK government proposes changes to allow optometrists and opticians to access and supply a wider range of medicines for treating common and emergency eye conditions on the high street.
- These proposals follow the government's Plan for Change to shift more NHS care into the community, reducing pressure on GPs and hospitals by empowering local healthcare professionals.
- Optometrists would have the authority to diagnose patients and, in emergency situations, approve the use of prescription-only medications. They could also manage conditions such as dry eye, allergic conjunctivitis, and bacterial infections by prescribing drugs like acetylcysteine, diclofenac sodium, azithromycin, and gentamicin.
- Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu stated these changes will better utilize optometrists' skills, improve patient outcomes, and reduce unnecessary referrals to GPs or hospitals, particularly where acute eye care services exist.
- If implemented, the changes could free up appointments in primary and emergency care by enabling more eye treatments locally, supporting the community care model advocated by Health Minister Stephen Kinnock.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Bristol Post
examinerlive.co.ukMajor change in rules around conditions opticians can treat
You may no longer need to see a GP or go to hospital
The Independent
perspectivemedia.comCommon eye problems will be treated on high street under Government changes
Staff working in eye care could get a greater role in diagnosing patients and prescribing drugs for things like dry eye, infection and severe allergy.
UK-wide consultation on proposed Amendments to Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (HMRS) on extending the range of medicines available to optometrists and contact lens opticians so they can treat minor eye conditions in the community.
UK-wide consultation on proposed Amendments to Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (HMRS) on extending the range of medicines available to optometrists and contact lens opticians so they can treat minor eye conditions in the community. Respond online mcneicej Thu, 04/09/2025 - 14:50 4 September 2025 27 November 2025 The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is leading on proposed changes to the UK Human Medicine Regulations 2012 to extend the…
Opticians to treat common eye problems under new government plans
Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in healthGet our free Health Check emailGet our free Health Check emailHigh street optometrists are set to gain expanded powers to treat common and emergency eye conditions under new government proposals. The changes aim to shift more healthcare into community
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