Pictured above: Dr Rob Hogan, President of the College of Optometrists, presents David Burghardt of David Burghardt Vision Care with his certificate

Nettleham optometrist David Burghardt was one of only 30 optometrists in the UK to be awarded with a new qualification which enables him to prescribe medical treatments for all eye conditions. 

During a ceremony at Central Hall Westminster, London, David was presented with the College of Optometrists Therapeutics Common Final Assessment in Independent Prescribing certificate.  He is the only optometrist in the Lincoln area to have the accreditation.  

Now David, who owns David Burghardt Vision Care in Nettleham, has full prescribing rights and is able to offer patients licensed treatments for conditions and diseases affecting the eye such as glaucoma. 

At the awards Dr Rob Hogan, President of the College, said David and his fellow scholars were at the leading edge of the development of optometry in the UK. 

David had to undergo theory studies, clinical placements and rigorous assessments over several years to obtain the qualification. 

"It's taken a great deal of time and effort to reach this stage but it's been worth it," said David. "I feel honoured to be among the first group of optometrists qualified in Independent Prescribing.

"We can now offer a full service at the practice not only by identifying eye diseases but also by prescribing our patients with the right treatment quickly, making the process more straightforward for everyone. Will we still refer patients when necessary."

David can now add the college affix DipTp (IP) to his title and will apply to have the specialty of Independent Prescribing put against his name on the Opticians' Register.

This latest achievement adds to David's already extensive career and qualification successes. 

He is a fellow of the British Contact Lens Association and his practice won Contact Lens Practice of the Year at the prestigious 2009 Optician Awards.

He also has a Diploma in Contact Lens Practice, a Diploma in Therapeutics and a BSc (Hons) Degree in Optometry.