In Focus: Scottish workforce planning critical to future resilience

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. 

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%.