In an open letter to Insight magazine responding to its coverage of Big W’s decision to close its in-store optometry practices, Optometry Australia has defended in-store optometrists. The organisation wrote:
We refer to an article published by Insight on 2/05/2019, written by Callum Glennen and headlined: "Lessons behind the demise of Big W Optical: 41 stores to close, 175 jobs affected" and we write on behalf of our members affected by this decision.
Mr Ryan's statement that, "Basing an optometry practice within a discount department store would have been ineffective in attracting high-level optometrists, and this filtered through to patients", is an affront to optometrists who work within these practices.
Likewise, to refer to optometrists working within Big W Optical as providing an "add-on sale", is also disingenuous to optometrists who strive to provide the highest possible optometric patient and clinical care possible.
Peter Ryan's clear assertion, whether intended or not, is that because Big W Optical sat within a business noted for discounting, that optometry would be offered in this environment as a cheap alternative, seeks to discredit optometrists. their professionalism and their role in community eye health.
