By Keith Gladdis
News Group Newspapers LTD
The News of the World
LASER eye clinics face tough new regulations to protect patients from rogue medics.
More than 100,000 Brits ditch their glasses and contact lenses every year in favour of laser eye surgery.
And a host of celebrities have undergone treatment, including Cilla Black, Spice Girl Mel B, Nicole Kidman and Brad Pitt.
But the Consumers Association has warned that many patients are "gambling with their eyesight" because the industry is totally unregulated.
Practitioners are not necessarily specialists-any GP can start operating after spending only a few days on a course.
And with typical costs around Pounds 1,000 an eye, earnings can easily exceed Pounds 250,000 a year.
Reform
The most popular procedure is Lasik, which involves cutting a flap from the surface of the cornea and reshaping the eye with a laser beam.
The surgery is relatively straightforward and normally safe but dozens of ops at high street clinics have caused serious problems. Patients have been left with damaged sight, eye spasms and continuing pain.
Labour MP Frank Cook is leading a campaign to reform the industry. He told the News of the World: "Some individuals regard this field of activity as an opportunity for easy cash."
Under new guidelines being considered at the Department of Health, laser eye
practitioners will have to undertake approved programmes of formal training and
accreditation. They will also be required to apply for a licence to practise and
register formally with a professional body.
Posted by Admin at August 17, 2003 01:14 PM
| TrackBack