etCETera Issue 4 | Page 5

Healthy Living Optician a success - an opportunity for optical practices in the future? In August 2015, the UK saw, the first-ever cohort of eight practices gain accreditation to become healthy living opticians, which marked the beginning of the Healthy Living Optician (HLO) scheme in Dudley. necessary, referral into other services such as nutrition, exercise, and dementia support and mental health services. 12 months on, the pilot has been deemed a success, with Dudley Office of Public Health aiming to have at least 50% of practices in its borough accredited in the next year. The initiative makes use of the time Optometrist’s have with patients during regular tests to start conversations about general lifestyle choices. The Optometrists then hand over to optical staff that have had training to provide services like helping patients quit smoking and/or provide NHS Health checks. The HLO scheme involves optical staff offering • alcohol screening, • weight management • smoking cessation • NHS health checks on adults without an existing vascular condition As part of the initiative patients also get lifestyle advice and then, if The Results In the year 2015 - 2016 the eight optical practices involved in the HLO scheme in Dudley have • Recruited 31 patients into smoking services (August 15 - April 16) and supported 21 patients to stop smoking • Spoken to 7690 about alcohol misuse (May 15 - April 16) and identified 13% as hazardous drinkers • Successfully performed 130 health checks (January to April) • Referred patients to weight management services from Optical practices Overall, Dudley LOC and Dudley Office of Public Health feels that these services are working effectively and the scheme has been successful. We believe that this is an untapped opportunity and that a scheme like this should be rolled out across the UK. The Beginning When I was appointed as Chair of Dudley LOC, I wrote many times to public health, asking for a campaign around smoking and blindness, however nothing happened. It was only after a chance meeting with the director of public health that the development of the Healthy Living Optician occurred, this was based on the concept of the Healthy Living Pharmacy. Not only was there a poster campaign but a variety of services offered in optical practices. It is time that optical practices are recognised as being ‘health hubs’ and seen by Public Health England as another avenue for patients to get access to health services, as well as getting advice on lifestyle and healthy living. I am optimistic that there will be many practices that will become HLO’s and many areas will adopt this scheme. It is all but just a matter of time. For more information into the scheme visit www.dudleyhlo.co.uk Shamina Asif is Chair of Dudley LOC, past vice Chair Walsall LOC, Council member for the College of Optometrists, Founder of Optom Academy and Self- employed Optometrist. April 2017 | etCETera 5