The New Optometrists introduces more tailored content for dispensing opticians and contact lens opticians

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“It’s great to see that The New Optometrist is not just for optoms, but for dispensing opticians (DOs) and contact lens opticians (CLOs) too!” says Antonia Chitty, Head of Communications and IT at the Association of British Dispensing Opticians.

That’s right – The New Optometrist is forging a partnership with ABDO to ensure that our dynamic, topical, informative, and entertaining content reaches all optical practitioners.

“Since our launch in 2022, I’ve come to realize that the concept of ‘the new optometrist’ can be interpreted in two ways,” says Rich Whitworth, Content Director of The New Optometrist. “Today’s DOs and CLOs are increasingly taking on tasks that historically sat in the optometrist’s domain, while optometrists are pushing ahead with increasing clinical responsibilities. What’s clear is that high quality eye care can only exist within a multidisciplinary framework that embraces collaboration across the full spectrum of professionals – while acknowledging their evolving roles.”

Antonia Chitty

Similarly, Chitty notes that ABDO is encouraging its members to work within multidisciplinary teams. “Where better to start than with improved understanding between ophthalmologists, optometrists, DOs and CLOs?” she asks. “The provision of eye care is changing. Ophthalmologists are short on time […] it makes sense for the NHS to support plans to develop local eye care pathways and increase the availability of appointments in primary care. Optometrists are taking on more of this work, along with independent prescribing, creating a space where CLOs with [Minor Eye Conditions Service] MECS accreditation can step up.”

Chitty also reminds us that, during COVID-19, “Many DOs came into their own in triaging patients – ensuring they got the right care from the right professional.”

To help us along with our openly inclusive mission, ABDO President Daryl Newsome is joining us as a regular contributor. In his first piece, Newsome notes that – throughout his career as a DO – he has worked alongside optometrists, ophthalmologists, and trainees of all sorts, but has rarely witnessed “any level of professional antagonism.” In fact, he takes it step further: “It would appear that we all work in harmony and collaboratively.”

Newsome explains how all members of his practice team are doing very different roles than just 10 years ago. His support staff now do most of the triage for MECS appointments, for example – and this is something that “makes them feel more a part of the clinical team.”

The New Optometrist, then – in alliance with its sister publication The Ophthalmologist – is well placed to increase the focus on clinical developments across the eye care team, adds Chitty. “We’re looking forward to seeing more content for DOs and CLOs!”

If you’re a DO or CLO with something to say, don’t hesitate to get in touch: julian.upton@texerepublishing.com