CoO launches vision for the future

College president, Professor Leon Davies

The College of Optometrists (CoO) has launched a new vision setting out its ambitions for the future of the profession, and its plans to put the optometric workforce at the forefront of eyecare provision, education and research.

The new vision puts optometrists at the heart of patient-centred eyecare, ensuring that optometrists’ expertise and competencies are fully recognised, said the College, which intends to ensure optometrists’ skills are utilised in new, funded models of care. As part of this, the organisation will be working with its members and key stakeholders to gather data and insights to better understand the current eyecare workforce and future needs.

As part of the planned Workforce Vision activities, the College is launching a new eyecare workforce data modelling project, which it says will be crucial in understanding workforce supply and patient demand. The College intends to work with partners across the eye health professions to commission this multidisciplinary project, which will provide a comprehensive analysis of current and future need.

Professor Leon Davies, president of the College of Optometrists, said: “The College’s Workforce Vision provides an ambitious and unique chance to shape the future direction of eye health provision, and our profession. The activities planned are vital to build the evidence base needed to advocate on behalf of optometrists across the UK. There are many exciting opportunities ahead, and I hope you will all join me in support of the College’s work in this area as we move towards a greater recognition and future role for all optometrists.”

Further planned activities by the College include:

• Championing optometrists as first contact practitioners who can manage and treat more patients in primary care
• Working with the General Optical Council  and other stakeholders to ensure that the future of pre-registration optometry education supports the future requirements of our profession
• Offering high quality and relevant post-registration higher qualifications in advanced practice, as well as training and CPD
• Supporting optometrists to contribute to the education of the next generation through supervision and mentoring schemes
• Championing and encouraging the role of optometrists in taking the lead in clinical research

Alistair Bridge, ABDO head of strategy, commented: “ABDO looks forward to working with the College and other sector partners to commission the proposed new eyecare workforce project. Dispensing opticians and contact lens opticians have a vital role to play in meeting the future needs of patients and this will involve working in close collaboration with optometrists and other members of the eyecare team.”