Chris Bennett: Optometry courses must move with the times

New optometry degree courses keep popping up and when they do its scares the horses. Each time a new course is mooted a ripple of discontent resounds around the forums and Twitter. Generally, the arguments for and against centre on the numbers but enhanced optical services and technology is changing that.

Historically optometrists have enjoyed an enviable position of guaranteed employment. In the 1990s a shortage led to employers and universities upping the supply of graduates. But that didn’t solve the problem, so courses began to open in the regions. Ditto. What is now clear is that the argument has moved from numbers to the type of skills being developed.