View from ABDO: We must move to blended learning

The GOC report on perceptions of UK optical training offers valuable findings which must be addressed in the GOC education review. The key message was that the majority of dispensing opticians were happy with the level of clinical training before qualification. In comparison only 40% of newly qualified optometrists were satisfied.

I believe the three-year blended learning education programme for dispensing opticians (DOs) is the key to satisfaction. The majority of student DOs undertake a three-year blended learning programme and work a minimum of 30 hours a week in practice, with a minority following a two-year full time course followed by a pre-registration year. In contrast, optometry students have limited contact with patients, confined to the final year for some.