Guildford DO hosts local MP

Martine (front right) with MP Zöe Franklin and practice team members

Dispensing optician, Martine Dalton, hosted local MP Zöe Franklin at Bayfields Opticians in Guildford, Surrey, recently to highlight the role of primary eyecare in ensuring patient care is delivered ‘closer to home’.

The Liberal Democrat politician met with members of the practice team and learn more about their role in delivering accessible, high-quality eyecare in the community.

Organised by the Association of Optometrists, the visit also provided an opportunity to showcase the range of services offered by the practice, including specialist contact lens fittings, a minor eye conditions service (MECS) and support for patients with pre- and post-operative cataract care.

Speaking after the visit, the Guildford MP said: “It was a pleasure to visit Bayfields Opticians and see first-hand the exceptional work being done to support eye health locally. All of primary care, including opticians, play a pivotal role in promoting the health of my constituents.

“Community opticians are a vital part of our healthcare system, and their role has never been more important in ensuring care is delivered closer to home, in a way that makes it convenient and accessible for patients but also relieves pressures on other areas of healthcare.”

Martine said: “We were delighted to welcome Zöe Franklin into our practice. It’s essential that policymakers understand how community optical practices contribute to preventative healthcare and reduce pressure on GPs and hospitals.”

As part of the discussion, Martine highlighted that local hospitals are “struggling to cope with the demands on their services from glaucoma patients”.

Opportunities to create fair access to eyecare services such as glaucoma pathways for patients locally were addressed, with the practice team pointing to improved IT connectivity between optometry and hospital teams, as well as a national plan for eyecare that makes use of the highly trained, clinical workforce of optometry as key solutions to the challenges.

The visit was also an opportunity to highlight Glaucoma Awareness Week, which took place earlier in the month, reinforcing the value and benefit of GOS sight testing as a crucial for the early detection of serious health conditions such as glaucoma, diabetes and high blood pressure.