MPs meet with Devon LOC in Parliament

Representatives from Devon Local Optical Committee (LOC) joined Devon MPs at a roundtable discussion in Westminster last week (25 October).

Hosted by MP for Tiverton and Honiton, Neil Parish, the group was also joined by Ben Bradshaw, Sarah Wollaston, Kevin Foster and Anne-Marie Morris, along with parliamentary assistants representing the other Devon MPs, to discuss the issues facing community eye care across the county.

All Devon MPs have visited local practices to learn about what optometrists and dispensing opticians contribute, as well as observe the technology and services they offer patients.

Reflecting on the roundtable, chairman of Devon LOC, Max Halford, said: “It was encouraging to hear that the local MPs were all hugely supportive of the work optometrists and dispensing opticians do in their communities, and that the MPs fully support the role of community optical practices in delivering minor eye conditions services.

“It was great to see our local MPs get behind us and support opticians in Devon to provide high-quality eye care across the county."

Mr Parish added: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Devon LOC to Parliament for the meeting – I know my colleagues who attended learned a lot and saw first-hand the crucial work optometrists and opticians carry out in our local community.”