Chris Bennett: Are all optometrists created equal?

Furore surrounding the new optometry course at the University of Hertford has centred (see news) on the increase in the numbers of optometrists entering the market but is that really what we should be concerned about?

The structure and level of new degrees, the admission mix, technology and topics on offer and equally as important. Hertford has differentiated itself by opting for a Masters course, no more pre-reg year, but what about other enhancements such as Independent Prescribing or specialisms in OCT, enhanced schemes or refractive surgery?

Severe shortages of optometrists in the late 1990s  prompted the opening of more and more undergraduate courses to boost numbers. In the early days geography  played a big part. The  employers' body, FODO, lead the way for a course at Anglia while  Specsavers was reported as being instrumental in the foundation of  the Plymouth course. And there was more to come. Boots has its tie up with Hertford and looming on the horizon is Central Lancashire. But solving employment issues is not a numbers game. The retail business wants optometrists that have the right skills, are flexible and mobile.