AOP clarification on insurance cover for optometrists undertaking laser treatment for glaucoma
A response to Bill Harvey’s article 'Dynamite with a laser beam' published on Optician online on 29/03/2019
We are writing in response to Bill Harvey’s article 'Dynamite with a laser beam' published on Optician online on 29/03/2019. We feel the statement that “The AOP has said its indemnity will cover IP optometrists undertaking SLT” needs further clarification so it is not misinterpreted by your readers.
The AOP’s member insurance does include cover for appropriately trained IP or non-IP optometrists undertaking SLT laser treatment for glaucoma but only in a hospital setting and not an optical practice. It is our view that there are additional requirements that currently cannot be satisfied in an optical practice including the lack of oversight by ophthalmologists. We will continue to monitor the situation and should this change, we will review the terms of our cover.
Yours sincerely,
The Association of Optometrists