Following the creation of a new programme at the University of Hertfordshire and the prospect of a course at the University of Central Lancashire, Optician has learnt that the University of Portsmouth could be the latest establishment to offer optometry among its course portfolio.
The university has sought to recruit two full time senior lecturers in optometry. A full job specification said potential suitors would be expected to co-ordinate and contribute to the design, development and delivery of the Master of Optometry programme. Staff would also have to work with regulatory bodies.
The development of any new optometry course is likely to spark a debate as to whether the profession needs another optometry school. In 2014, a change.org petition in response to the University of Hertfordshire’s plans attracted over 2,500 signatures.
The Association of Independent Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (AIO) said the profession did not need a surplus of ‘mediocre optometrists’ being ‘pumped out’ by universities and that it would be better to focus on entry requirements with higher professional standards for those qualifying to ensure suitable new entrants.
‘Although there are many imponderables, trying to predict future manpower requirements is now becoming rather urgent, said AIO chairman Peter Warren.
‘Currently, there are not long waiting lists for primary eye care services and the number of optometrists does appear to be increasing faster than the number of eyes needing care. There are clearly potential adverse effects of a definite oversupply, both for the future attractiveness of a career in optometry and in strengthening the hand of over-commercially driven employers,’ he added.
The GOC said it was aware of the adverts but had not yet received a formal application for an accredited programme. The regulator added that it was required to consider new applications for accreditation based on whether they meet its standards and not able to consider factors such as demand for optometrists or market conditions when considering applications.