A summary of responses to the General Optical Council’s Education Strategic Review has shown broad consensus across the sector that the system of optical education and training was in need of change.
The GOC said there was an expectation among stakeholders that the ageing population with multiple and more complex needs would lead to increased demand for eye care provided in the community, including in domiciliary settings.
The GOC also learned that stakeholders expect future graduating optometrists to have a greater understanding of wider patient health needs, be equipped to work in multi-disciplinary settings and have a good understanding of clinical governance.
Director of Strategy Alistair Bridge said: ‘The delivery of the Education Strategic Review is one of our key priorities and I would like to thank everyone who submitted a response to our call for evidence.
‘It is clear from the response to the call for evidence that now is the time to review the system of optical education and training, to ensure that it keeps up with upcoming challenges facing the sector.’
More analysis will appear in a future edition of Optician.