Aston University has partnered on a second Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Hereford practice BBR Optometry to look into the eye health of an ageing population.
The first BBR Optometry/Aston KTP project identified business opportunities in the provision of treatment on ageing eyes and age-related conditions, recognising a growing market among ageing patients seeking improved care outside the NHS.
The second KTP project would have the potential to develop systems and protocols to deal with the effects of an ageing population and conditions associated with the ‘ageing eye’ for improved care to the community. This research grant equated to £180,000 and BBR plans to recruit a graduate registered optometrist in the near future.
‘Conditions such as dry eye syndrome are well known but are not well managed, due to them not being sight-threatening. However, research has shown that this condition can have a dramatic impact on quality of life. Furthermore, emerging technologies show promise in dry eye management but the investment required means that BBR will have to develop a strong clinical and business plan to make the technologies commercially viable,’ Aston said.
It added that the KTP would develop and deliver appropriate training and CPD and accreditation for optometrists to take on their expanded roles, which could lead to a new postgraduate module, possibly delivered as a distance learning CPD module for practitioners.
Nicholas Rumney, BBR managing director said: ‘Our first KTP had unbelievably successful outcomes that have already changed the structure and nature of our practice for the better. We are looking forward to working with Aston University on our second KTP, building on the outcomes that enabled us to look into improving our services to people through a range of techniques and expertise. Aston University has definitely made a valuable contribution to BBR Optometry.’