Optometry Scotland (OS), the representative body for optical professionals, has released its Workforce Preliminary Report, providing key insights into the current optometry landscape in Scotland, and where changes are necessary.
Independent survey results gathered from more than 300 practices across the country in late 2024 were combined with data from other organisations, such as the GOC, the College of Optometrists and NHS Scotland, to help understand the challenges faced.
Vacancy rates
Among the major findings of the report was a vacancy rate of 10.3% within the profession, with locum cover representing 21% of the weekly workforce to make up the shortfall. This exceeded the medical and dental NHS Scotland vacancy average rate of 8.2%.
The report referenced the GOC’s 2024 Registrant Survey, revealing that 29% of optometrists in Scotland planned to reduce their hours in the next couple of years, with 68% citing work-life balance and 58% mentioning stress and burnout.
Trends towards part-time work (the average Scottish optometrist works four days per week, according to the GOC) especially among younger optometrists, must be taken into account when considering future workforce planning, asserted the report.
Training opportunities
Training capacity was an area noted for potential expansion, with practices currently providing 144 pre-registration placements, 57% of which were being supervised by independent prescribing (IP) practitioners.
Expanding training opportunities was said to be in line with the Scottish government’s focus on building a skilled healthcare workforce to deliver specialised care in community settings. This would also support the training of undergraduate students undertaking IP training in the community in their final training years, it said.
However, factors such as rural practice locations, testing space and reliance on locum cover were also noted as areas for consideration and potential barriers to the expansion of training.
Changing demographics
Scotland’s ageing population and the impact of changing demographics on the future demand and attrition in optometry, was also highlighted by the report.
It cited the National Records of Scotland 2022 report, which showed that 20% of the population in Scotland was aged 65 or older and by 2045, this demographic was projected to grow by nearly a third.
Eye disease prevalence, including glaucoma and wet age-related macular degeneration, was expected to rise concurrently, according to the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.
Regional and demographic disparities, especially in rural areas, were anticipated to have an impact on the ability of eye care services to meet changing demands. While the central belt was expected to have adequate coverage, remote and rural areas were anticipated to face ongoing challenges.
Workforce planning
Future workforce modelling would be critical in ensuring Scotland’s optometry sector remains resilient and well-positioned to deliver high-quality care, the report stated.
Addressing this demand would require a strategic approach, focusing on workforce expansion, enhanced training opportunities and improved recruitment and retention.
Emerging technologies, such as AI diagnostics and teleoptometry, for reducing pressures on traditional healthcare pathways and improving rural accessibility, must also be considered, according to the report.
Further investigation
Eilidh Thomson, chair of OS, said: ‘We are pleased to release the Workforce Preliminary Report and share our findings with optometry 
professionals and patients alike. There are macro factors that need to be understood by the industry as a whole, such as in training and vacancy rates, in order to sustain future demand.’
Following the report, OS said it intended to further investigate benchmarking against workforce data from other regions and professions and conduct a more detailed analysis of optometrist attrition rates.
The optical representative body said the report marked the beginning of a wider effort to address workforce challenges. It also intended to commission a more comprehensive research project with continued engagement with external agencies to collate data from across the profession.
Thomson added: ‘This report is only the start of Optometry Scotland’s broader aim to research workforce trends and challenges, to develop an extensive understanding of our industry’s needs going forward.’
