Standing out from the crowd

I'm not saying that OCTs have left their first home, they certainly have not. However, more and more independent practices are making that investment too – enabling them to offer patients a high standard of clinical care and a point of differentiation from the High Street masses. 

For some practices and practitioners alike, purchasing an OCT has positively impacted on business and invigorated the way they practise, just like optometrist and practice owner, Mark Holloway, who OT spoke to in February.  

The purchase of an OCT has no doubt become more prominent as optometrists across the country bid for enhanced services, take steps towards accreditation for Minor Eye Conditions Services and generally advance the way they practise. 

Therefore, news this week that Specsavers will introduce an OCT in every one of its 740 practices in the UK over the next two years was probably met with trepidation by some. While this move means that OCT could possibly become a standard part of High Street eye care, it also means that others could lose their clinical point of differentiation. However, it may also help optometry edge a little closer and take further steps into offering additional enhanced services that have traditionally sat in the ophthalmology arena. We would be interested to hear your views on this news on the AOP’s community forums.

Re-focusing on the ever-advancing profession, on Friday the AOP begins its search for professionals and organisations that have shown extraordinary talent and made outstanding contributions to the profession over the last 12 months as it opens nominations for the 2018 AOP Awards. 

Launched In 2010, the AOP Awards were established to recognise those in the profession who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Nominating a colleague, organisation, or yourself is simple. You just need to select the category that you wish to nominate someone under and fill out their contact details. While popular categories such as Optometrist of the Year and Contact Lens Practitioner of the Year return, the AOP also introduces a new accolade to recognise the Health and Wellbeing Practice of the Year. 

Visit the AOP website from Friday to make your nominations. 

The AOP Awards 2018 will take place at London’s ExCeL Exhibition Centre on Sunday, 28 January 2018.