A need to promote optical careers to the next generation was identified in a report produced by the Sector Partnership for Optical Knowledge and Education (Spoke).
The cross-sector collaboration was funded by the General Optical Council, led by the College of Optometrists and managed by a group of representatives from the College, the Association of British Dispensing Opticians and the Optometry Schools Council.
Professor Lizzy Ostler, director of education at the College, said promoting optical careers was necessary to attract, develop and retain future optical professionals.
‘Findings from this project show resounding support for employer-facilitated outreach across the sector and it is hoped that work will now be carried out to produce materials at a national level that can be deployed locally,’ Prof Ostler added.
It was the third project published by Spoke and was titled Admissions and Recruitment: State of the Art and Plans for the Future.
Steve Brooker, GOC director of regulatory strategy, welcomed the findings and looked forward to working with stakeholders to boost interest in optical careers.
‘With demand for eye care growing, the clinical roles of professionals expanding and a modernised qualifications system, this should be a great time to promote careers in optical services to the next generation.’
A fourth project was underway to explore what the best practices were for supervision of clinical and experiential learning.