In focus: New optometry courses must pioneer professional change

As the profession prepares for technological and clinical challenges in the future, the prospect of an overcrowded jobs market is causing concern to many in the profession.

However, a new undergraduate optometry programme being planned by the University of the West of England (Optician 07.04.17), possibly in tandem with Specsavers, means that by September 2018 there could be a dozen different courses sending newly qualified optometrists out into the world.

Recruiters in rural and coastal areas, particularly in Gloucestershire and Somerset, will be rubbing their hands together. But others are alarmed at the arrival of a fourth new course in five years, following Plymouth, Hertfordshire and Portsmouth [see box on the courses opposite], and their potential to impact future salary and job opportunities. A further course has also been touted by the University of Central Lancashire.