AOP on what the Mann review means for optometry

The AOP has published a new policy briefing summarising what the Mann Review means for optometry.

In the briefing, which was published last week (3 September), the AOP highlighted that the review’s findings reinforce the need for safe, inclusive environments for both patients and healthcare professionals.

The Mann review, which was led by Lord John Mann, was commissioned by government in October last year following incidents and allegations of antisemitism within the NHS, as well as wider concerns about how racism is identified, reported and addressed across the healthcare service. Its aim was to explore how the NHS, employers and healthcare regulators respond to antisemitism and other forms of racism.

Through its publication, the review recommends strengthening accountability, improving reporting and investigation processes, and implementing measures to ensure patients and staff are better protected from discrimination and abuse.

Following its publication, the Government said it supported the recommendations included in the review, stating: “The Government and the NHS are committed to taking action to deliver on the recommendations in the review, which are for the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England to act on. This will include clear accountability, culture and capability development, as well as reconfirming and emphasising consistent expectations of staff and employers based on well-defined guiding principles, with enhanced oversight of regulatory and employer processes.”

In creating a policy briefing on the review, the AOP acknowledged that while the review has a broader NHS focus, most practitioners working within optometry provide NHS services, even though the majority do not work directly for NHS employers.

In the briefing the AOP highlighted: “Our members have responsibilities, as described in GOC standards, to provide high quality services to all who present, to make those services sensitive to each patient and of course to provide care of the highest standard to every patient.”

It added that its members “occasionally experience prejudice from patients,” emphasising that it has “pledged to support all our members who face racism and other forms of prejudice, as well as support our employer members to provide workplaces in which all employees feel safe and valued.”

“We are clear that racism and discrimination is unfair, causes distress, and is often unlawful. We support all of our members, both employees and employers, to tackle racism and other forms of discrimination,” the policy briefing added.

In response to the Mann review, the AOP confirmed that it has reviewed its advice and education resources to ensure they reflect the report's findings, adding that it is also considering changes to its data collection in response to the review’s recommendations.

“We will also offer to support the GOC in its planned response to Mann’s challenge to regulators,” the AOP said in its briefing, adding: “We stand ready to share feedback on our experience of representing our members at GOC proceedings.”

AOP policy briefing

Policy briefing: the Mann Review

The AOP’s summary – and what it means for optometry