Careers in optics formed the topic for the council dinner at the College of Optometrists last week.
In her pre-dinner address President of the College, Dr Cindy Tromans, pointed out that applications to university optometry courses had fallen by half in the last 10 years.
Guests were informed that this had been among the reasons why the College had teamed up with other optical bodies and the universities to address the issue.
The College pointed to the work being done within schools to raise the profile of optometry as a career choice through the Careers in Optics Working Group. Tromans said that to thrive and meet future challenges optometry had to be seen as an attractive and exciting career opportunity for young people.
The group is also working to promote optometry within schools with a range of educational materials. These have been presented at workshops held in schools with children from key stages 3 and 4.
Research has shown that the workshops improve children's understanding of and attitude towards optometry. Teachers also showed a positive reaction to the workshops.
On show for the guests at the dinner was a 3D film, Living in a new dimension, which is being taken out to schools by the Careers in Optics Working Group to help children consider their career options.
In the coming year the working group is hoping to roll the schools visit scheme out to 2,000 schools and recruit optometrists and dispensing opticians as ambassadors to deliver the workshops. Around £75,000 will be needed to cover the cost of resources, train ambassadors and set up a Careers in Optics website.