Haroon Ahmed, Head Optometrist at Tyrrells and Embery Optometry located on Darwen Street in Blackburn has completed a Diploma in Independent Therapeutic Prescribing through the College of Optometrists.
With an aging population there is a burgeoning demand for NHS hospital eye (Ophthalmology) appointments. Due to a strained NHS budget, this can mean long waiting times and disgruntled patients.
Historically, when Optometrists find a problem with a patient’s eyes, following diagnosis they would then refer the patient to a local hospital who would prescribe the medication required to treat the problem. Now qualified with the Diploma in IP, Haroon can prescribe almost any medication and therefore the patient may not even need to visit a hospital. This in turn releases some pressure on the already stretched NHS, saving the NHS money and patients can be seen with little or no waiting time allowing local hospitals to concentrate or more demanding issues. Independent Prescribing enables Optometrists to clinically assess a patient, establish a diagnosis, determine the clinical management required and prescribe where necessary.
As it stands, Mr Ahmed is the only Optometrist in Blackburn with Darwen and the surrounding area to have completed this Diploma. Haroon is keen to raise awareness of this service and is hoping to encourage fellow Optometrists to follow suit. “This will hugely benefit our local hospital eye department, but more importantly the patients” said Haroon. Haroon invited MP Kate Hollern to visit the Blackburn Opticians to discuss the IP Diploma to help generate awareness in the local community. Kate Hollern, Blackburn MP said: “It is fantastic; anything that can take pressure off the NHS is great. Eye sight is so precious and early intervention is critical”.
Haroon Ahmed said: “The NHS is not an unlimited pot, it is such a valuable asset and we should all be very proud of it. Anything we can do to support the NHS we need to put into place. At Tyrrells and Embery we have always pushed the boundaries and are proud to offer a personal service to our patients and the local community, this service adds to that. We are celebrating our ninetieth year in business this year and we are constantly striving to be at the cutting edge of technology investing in new equipment to benefit our patients”.
ABOUT TYRRELLS AND EMBERY OPTOMETRY:
Tyrrells and Embery Optometry has become one of Lancashire’s leading independent optical practices. Established in 1928, the practice is celebrating its ninetieth year in business this year, a reputable asset to its hometown of Blackburn.
“Our Patients have put their trust into us to safeguard their eye health and we take this responsibility very seriously. Of our five senses, we believe vision will far outweigh any of the others in terms of importance. It is imperative that your eyes are looked after to keep your vision at its best - live your life in HD!” Haroon Ahmed; Head Optometrist.
Research has shown over 80% of information you receive from the world is through the sense of vision and at Tyrrells and Embery Optometry they believe that the quality of your eye care should reflect that – no compromises. The geographical spread of their clients from all over the country is testament to the trust they put in to safeguard their precious sense of vision.
Not only do the team offer a standard eye examination, they also offer a range of clinical specialisms including ‘Advanced Contact Lens clinic’ and ‘Colorimetry clinic’. The practice have fostered close relations with the top eye consultants in the area, including Beardwood and Gisburne Park and also work with hospitals further afield including those in the Manchester area.
Customers and patients can chose from fabulous range of spectacle frames and sunglasses from designers including Tom Ford, Chloe, Salvatore Ferragamo amongst others. Tyrrells and Embery Optometry are the only authorised stockist of Lindberg in East Lancashire.
The experienced team includes Mr Haroon Ahmed; Head Optometrist and Mr Usman Patel as Dispensing Optician. Ann and Gwen ensure the smooth running of the practice and between the team they have over 60 years of experience.