Association of Optometrists
Student Member Research Summary 2023
v 1:0 Research By Design Report Jul-23
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In 2022, the AOP commissioned research to inform its bold and aspirational five-year strategy.
Responses represent a spread of ages, genders, and modes of practice
The aim of the project, conducted by Research by Design, was to explore members' views, challenges and expectations for their careers and for the profession - now and in the future.
Contributions were invited from members in order to help the AOP understand the challenges and aspirations of members, and how it can provide the right support at the right time to its wide and diverse membership.
At the core of the strategy is its commitment to secure the present and shape the future of optometry for the benefit of its members and the people it serves.
As its members' lifetime career partner, it is vital that the AOP has a current understanding of what members need, so that it fulfils its mission to 'serve, protect and promote' them.
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Background
Research programme
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Jul-23 Quantitative Online survey carried out amongst the AOP’s full membership (excluding students) 02 Qualitative 4 x focus groups comprising key segments of AOP membership 01 Four groups conducted via MS Teams between 02/11/2022 and 09/11/2022 Quantitative Short, targeted online survey tailored to students 03
online surveys which ran
25/01/2023
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Two
in parallel between
and 01/03/2023
Practising members and undergraduate student members were given the opportunity to contribute their views in separate surveys
Practising member survey (all member grades (except students) including pre-reg)
Student survey
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Student Members
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419 student members participated in the survey
Responses represent a spread of ages, genders, and modes of practice Responses represent a spread of ages, genders, and year groups.
Top 4 AOP services chosen by student members
Student members believe…
1. Optometry Today
2. Online education library
3. Legal advice
4. Student representation
Direct financial support from AOP
Student see…
…should be the number 1 future focus of the AOP in terms of helping students
…resulting in a 17.4% response rate.
Key performance indicators
80% of student members rate AOP positively
Securing a pre-reg placement
…as what they’re most concerned about regarding their career
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To what extent do you agree with the following statement? ‘I feel optimistic about my future career in optometry’
Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree
Levels of optimism is consistent across stages of study. 34% 56% 8%
90%
“It seems like an exciting but challenging career, with plenty of opportunities and potential to earn a good salary.”
UG first year
“Optometry is a career that can take you wherever you want to go it is very open and gives opportunity to pursue your interests in the profession.”
UG final year
“I feel an optometry degree sets you up for a career full of opportunities. Although I am worried about being able to afford to buy all the equipment I need after relocating for my pre reg.”
UG final year
C80 To what extent do you agree with the following statement? ‘I feel optimistic about my future career in optometry’
Base: All (459).
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Students are positive about their future in optometry, believing it is an evolving profession that provides them with a wide range of opportunities.
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Few use highly negative words such as ‘relentless’, ‘stagnant’ and ‘demoralising’.
Which, if any, of the following words would you use to describe your expectations of a career in optometry?
change Relentless Stagnant Demoralising Other
None of the above
C70 Which, if any, of the following words would you use to describe your expectations of a career in optometry? Base: All (459).
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Students' expectations of their career in optometry are positive, though they do recognise some of the challenges it might bring.
81% 71% 63% 60% 58% 58% 49% 39% 32% 28% 27% 24% 15% 7% 5% 4% 2% 2% 1% 0% Rewarding Interesting Challenging Evolving Exciting Fast paced Demanding Varied Stressful Repetitive
Undervalued Inclusive Hectic Cohesive Resistant to
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What issues are you most concerned with regarding the optometry profession?
Securing a pre-reg placement
Salary progression
Working in your preferred location
Competition for jobs
Achieving a work-life balance
Future prospects of the profession
Ending avoidable sight loss
Standards within the profession
Developing new clinical skills
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Accessing career development
Poverty / health inequality
Net zero / climate change / sustainability
None of the above Other
T55 What issues are you most concerned with regarding the optometry profession? Base: All (425)..
Career concerns
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Students members’ main concerns regarding the optometry profession are related to their careers.
50% 46% 46% 43% 42% 37% 34% 32% 30% 26% 26% 23% 12% 2% 1%
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Students rating the AOP positively particularly value...
“Very engaging with the magazines that are sent out in the post and the talks that are offered on campus.”
UG 1 year student
Information & resources
Rate AOP 4
or 5 out of 5
Support
Reassurance of reputation
“I feel that the AOP is the go-to place if I have any problems with my future career.”
UG 2/3 year student (non-finalist)
“They keep my up to date with emails and OT today magazines.”
UG 2/3year student (non-finalist)
“The support the AOP have given me so far has been excellent and has solved my issues.”
UG final year student
“Someone's got my back and I have trust for the AOP.”
UG final year student
T70. Why do you say that? Base: Those who rated AOP 4 or 5 at T60 and entered a free text comment at T70 (215 comments).
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% agree services are valuable (top 6)
“Optometry Today always gives me a new insight into the profession and even has theoretical questions which I have used to help me further understand a particular concept.”
UG final year student
“AOP have been great so far. I use their online learning / news a lot.”
UG final year student
“AOP provide support for optometrists including legal advice, progression, and for pre-reg optometrists.”
UG intermediate year student
T50 To what extent do you agree the following benefits and services offered by the AOP are valuable to you? Base: All (430).
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The vast majority of students agree the following benefits and services are valuable
Page 11 82% Online education library including clinical skills guide videos Legal, clinical and regulatory advice 81% Student representation 74% Career advice and mentoring 73% Support for your pre-reg placement and OSCE 71% Optometry
Today 87%
End of Summary
For more information about the results of the research, contact the AOP team, johnwhite@aop.org.uk
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