- Boots Opticians and Macmillan Cancer Support launch specialist optometrist training to help support those directly or indirectly affected by cancer
- Deborah*, a patient, shares how a routine Boots Opticians appointment led to her potentially lifesaving cancer diagnosis
- Across the UK almost, 1 in 2 people will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime1
With research suggesting that almost one in two people will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime2, Boots Opticians and Macmillan have launched a new specialist training for opticians.
The unique training provides optometrists with the necessary skills to help those living with cancer, as well as those experiencing ocular side effects from cancer treatment, such as dry, sensitive, and sore eyes.3
Boots Macmillan Optician Professionals can also check for signs of eye cancer during routine eye tests and are specially trained to look out for broader signs of skin cancer on the face and head. In some cases, a regular appointment could lead to earlier cancer detection.
If any signs of cancer are detected by a Boots Macmillan Optometrist, they are able to make referrals to NHS care or signpost patients to Macmillan support services.
Rupa Thobhani, a Boots Macmillan Optician Professional in London, says that booking in for a routine eye test could have the potential power to save lives through early cancer diagnosis.
Rupa said: “Having worked as an optometrist for over 25 years, I knew that I was going to do more than prescribe Deborah with new reading glasses when she came to see me.”
“During her routine eye test, I noticed the lesion on her eye, revealing indications of possible nodulo-ulcerative basal cell carcinoma. I shared my suspicions with Deborah and upon further evaluation I found out that she’d previously had skin cancer.”
Using her existing knowledge, the Boots and Macmillan training and skills as an Optometrist, Rupa was able to spot signs of ocular cancer through a lesion in the inner corner of Deborah’s eye and refer the patient directly to the appropriate clinic for surgery.
Rupa continued: “Cancer can be lifechanging and if Deborah hadn’t come to see me, I wouldn’t have been able to spot it as early as I did. The Boots Macmillan Optician Professionals training modules highlight the importance of looking for anything out the ordinary around the eyes, face, nose or even the ears and that’s exactly what I did.”
Deborah added: “It started when I lost my glasses at a concert which prompted me to book an eye test at my local Boots Opticians. When I finished my normal examination, my optometrist kindly asked me if there were any other problems.”
“I explained that I’d discovered an irritation in the corner of my eye when holidaying in Morocco but thought it would simply heal over time.”
“After thorough examination of my eyes, Rupa suggested a diagnosis and referred me to an NHS clinic for further review, which soon-after led to an operation. Since my treatment, the skin graft has healed very well, and I am deeply grateful to Rupa for taking the time to look so carefully.”
Patients can find a Boots Macmillan Optometrist in over 270 Boots Opticians stores. The training is set to be rolled out to more optometrists across the UK, with over 30 more stores set to be enlisted before the end of the year.
An eye test at Boots Opticians can be easily booked online or in-store. Some patients, including those over 60 and those under 16**, could be eligible for a free eye test under the NHS at their local opticians. To book an appointment visit www.boots.com/opticians.
The BMOP scheme is the latest addition to the cancer support available on the high street through Boots and Macmillan’s 15-year partnership. Those affected by cancer can also access support from Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists, Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors and soon Boots Macmillan Information Technicians, where training is currently being rolled out.
For any concerns about cancer and for more information visit your local Boots store, GP, or contact Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00.
*Name has been changed to protect the patient's identity.
** In England you are entitled to a free NHS eye test if you are aged under 16, are aged 16, 17, or 18 and are in full-time education, are aged 60 or over, are registered as partially sighted (sight impaired) or blind (severely sight impaired), have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma, are aged 40 or over, and your mother, father, brother, sister, son, or daughter has been diagnosed with glaucoma, have been advised by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) that you're at risk of glaucoma, are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher - your optometrist can advise you about your entitlement, receive Income Support receive Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (not Contribution-based), receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance (not Contribution-based), receive Universal Creditare a prisoner on leave from prison, are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate, are on a low income and named on a valid HC2 (full help) or HC3 (partial help) certificate. Eligibility criteria differ across nations.
1Cancer Research UK. Lifetime risk of cancer. Estimate calculated by the Cancer Intelligence Team at Cancer Research UK, 2023
2Cancer Research UK. Lifetime risk of cancer. Estimate calculated by the Cancer Intelligence Team at Cancer Research UK, 2023