I am writing in response to the letter relating to locum optometrists working in the UK. I cannot agree with the points made in the letter.
It is certainly true there are more optometrists working as locums than in the past. The Optical Workforce Survey (OWS), undertaken and published by the College at the beginning of the year, shows there has been a substantial increase in the prevalence of locum working, with 17.5% of optometrists now working as locums as compared to 10.5% in 2010.
However, locum optometrists are qualified to the same standard as every other optometrist. Regardless of their career choices, all practising optometrists in the UK will have sat the College’s Scheme for Registration or equivalent. And, once qualified, they retain their place on the register in exactly the same way as all practising optometrists and, even when working part-time, have to gain exactly the same number of CET points as optometrists working full-time and in directly employed capacities.
The College’s guidance for professional practice sets out good optometric practice. This guidance is developed to support all practising optometrists in the UK, regardless of the nature of their employment. Our clinical advisers are always on hand to support optometrists if they have queries or just need reassurance in relation to their planned course of action.
The OWS also revealed the key driver for all optometrists is the desire to work flexibly. This was cited as the main career preference for optometrists in the next five years (45.7 per cent), so the profession must support this style of working in order to retain workforce capacity.
The College recognises working independently and often in new settings, can present challenges for locums. For this reason, we have set up a locum reference group to provide relevant support where we can.
It is true that all optometrists must devote time to their profession, improve knowledge and develop themselves; however this is not limited to locum optometrists. This is why the College’s events and higher qualifications are open to all qualified optometrists and we encourage all of our members to aspire to professional excellence in eye health.
Dr Mary-Ann Sherratt, President of the College of Optometrists
