GPS

"Opticians have the specialised equipment to do proper scans and a proper investigation of the eyes - something that the emergency room and GPs don't have."

"We're taking the pressure off the GPs by taking care of minor eye conditions and we're taking pressure off the ophthalmology hospital clinics because they're not filled with unnecessary referrals," he said.

He said "primary care optometrists" should be the first port of call for eyes, as GPs are experiencing capacity issues.

Two mothers whose daughters took their own lives have called for GPs to have a legal duty to tell families if a patient says they plan to kill themselves.

"Ultimately, GPs must balance the importance of patient confidentiality with the urgent need to prevent suicide."