In focus: Pompey clinic paves way for education reforms

New optometry courses created in undersupplied areas of the country have forced programme leaders and the wider profession to rethink the training of young optometrists.

Since the opening of an optometry course at Plymouth made waves in 2011, no fewer than five institutions have followed suit. The changing landscape has added a new dimension to the GOC’s ongoing Education Strategic Review, with pressure mounting for the regulator to get it right for both undergraduate courses and CET.

New courses have been established at the University of Hertfordshire and the University of the West of England, while the University of the Highlands and Islands and University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) both await GOC approval.