The new Optical Workforce Survey, to measure changes in the optical workforce, has been published. The study, involving optometrists and dispensing opticians (DOs) was led by the College of Optometrists with support from a cross-sector advisory group.
The study included a questionnaire for optometrists and DOs, interviews with stakeholders from the optical sector, and the use of other data from a variety of sources. The survey data has been analysed to examine how the workforce has changed since a similar survey was conducted by the College in 2010 and to identify the factors that may influence the work of the optical professions in the next five years, including workforce capacity and its ability to meet future demand. The data relating to DOs was collected in this survey for the first time.
The report’s key findings include:
Mike Bowen, director of research for the College of Optometrists, said: “Workforce planning relates not just to the number of new recruits to the sector, but also how to develop new skills and working patterns for those who are already employed. Although this study did not directly aim to determine if there is an over or undersupply of optical professions in the UK, the results, supplemented by additional data sources, can be used to identify trends that relate to current and future workforce patterns relative to demographic changes and changes to service provision. The data also raises other questions that require further investigation and a sector-wide response, including the factors contributing to oversupply and undersupply in certain regions, a possible fall in remuneration, the potential disparity in women’s pay and the apparently low numbers of clinical appraisals being carried out. These issues, and a range of others highlighted in the report will be the subject of a roundtable event involving representatives from across the sector. The event will be hosted by the College of Optometrists in spring 2016.”
Peter Black, President of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO), and ABDO representative on the Optical Workforce Study steering group said “ABDO is delighted that dispensing opticians and contact lens opticians have been included in this research for the first time and there are many interesting insights. It is disappointing that dispensing opticians, in common with optometrists, on average seem to be earning similar salaries to those reported over 10 years ago before the recession, although the gap between the lowest and highest paid appears to be widening. It is very encouraging to see that so many dispensing opticians own their own businesses either outright or in partnership with optometrists. On the other hand a greater number of optometrists and dispensing opticians than expected are working as locums, yet the legal position seems to be that locums should only be covering for holidays and sickness (a contract of employment being issued for regular days) and one wonders whether the sector may be storing up a problem for itself in this regard.”
To view/download The Optical Workforce Survey Full report click here.
To view/download The Optical Workforce Survey Executive summary click here.