Simon Jones: Degrees of uncertainty

Observing the Optical Bodies Panel debate at the Association of Independent Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (AIO) and British Association of Behavioural Optometrists (BABO) joint conference last weekend left me pondering what optical education might look like in future.

Delegates were able to quiz a panel that included representatives from the hosts, along with the AOP, GOC, BLCA, ABDO, the College and FODO. I’ve been to a few similar panel discussions over the years and they can often feel a little flat. Not last weekend’s!

Former AIO chairman Peter Warren asked whether the number of university courses for optometry would result in upskilling or dumbing down within the profession. It was a nice easy question for GOC council member Helen Tilley, who offered a very on message response which outlined that it was not for the GOC to decide whether there were too many optometry courses, simply whether the courses met, and were run to the required standards for the protection of the public. Current AIO chairman Christian French explained that the smaller cohorts seen in newer course could make it easier for tutors to instil clinical excellence into students. As a senior optometry lecturer at the University of Hertford, which has recently completed GOC accreditation, it’s a view that carries a lot of weight.