MP meets with members of North and North East Lincolnshire LOC at optical practice

The MP for Cleethorpes has highlighted that he gained “valuable insight into the work of optometrists” through a visit to an independent optical practice in Barton-upon-Humber.

Martin Vickers met with representatives from the North and North East Lincolnshire Local Optical Committee (LOC) at Smith and Walker Optometrists in December.

He heard how the committee’s work has progressed since an initial optical practice visit in 2015.

LOC chair, Dr Ralph Worfolk, said that the group provided an update on additional NHS services provided within Mr Vickers’ constituency.

“This includes a service to undertake additional checks for patients with suspected glaucoma. The service reduces unnecessary referrals to hospitals, preventing unnecessary anxiety for patients,” he explained.

Dr Worfolk added that optical practices are interested in providing more of these types of services to help relieve the demand on overstretched hospital eye departments.

Mr Vickers said that the visit provided “valuable insight into the work of optometrists.”

“I urge my constituents to have regular eye tests which can identify, not just eye problems, but provide a warning of other potentially serious diseases,” he said.