AOP backs World Antibiotic Awareness Week

The Optical Confederation, of which the AOP is a founding member, has joined a worldwide call against the danger of unnecessary use of antibiotics. Optical professionals are being encouraged to pledge that primary care optometrists are committed to safe prescribing - supporting #AntibioticGuardian.” An attention-grabbing ‘thunderclap’ will then be created by simultaneously posting the pledges on the social media accounts of all those who signed up at 11am on Monday 30 November.

Chris Hunt, Chair of the Optical Confederation, said: "As optical professionals we will continue to play our part promoting safe antibiotic prescribing. All optometrists can prescribe certain antibiotics, and a growing number have achieved Independent Prescriber status to offer a higher level of additional support to private and some NHS patients. The #AntibioticGuardian initiative not only protects future generations of patients but also highlights the growing role IP optometrists can play in the modern NHS." 

The initiative has been launched to coincide with European Antibiotic Awareness Day on 18 November 2015. This year also sees the first ever UN World Antibiotic Awareness Week from 16-22 November.