Workforce survey insights

SPOKE

Learning case studies published

The Sector Partnership for Optical Knowledge and Education (SPOKE), a cross-sector collaboration funded by the General Optical Council (GOC) and led by the College of Optometrists, has published the outputs of its second project. The case studies describe best practice approaches to teaching and learning for student optometrists and dispensing opticians. They have a particular focus on the new GOC outcomes and spiral curriculum, and include effective methods for scaffolding learning.

Professor Lizzy Ostler, GOC director of education at the College of Optometrists, said: “We’re thrilled to see the publication of the Project Two case studies, contributed from across the sector, providing great examples of teaching and learning methods and projects that will help inspire and inform the teams developing new courses.”

Steve Brooker, GOC director of regulatory strategy, added: “We welcome this latest project from SPOKE providing a valuable evidence-base to support providers adapting to our new education and training requirements for optometry and dispensing optics. We are delighted that Project Two has attracted significant interest across the sector and we encourage those interested to continue to share their information on innovation and best practice to raise the overall standard of optical education.”

SPOKE Project Three will focus on course admissions and recruitment, including value-based admissions and routes into the professions.

Stepper

The Stepper SI-30164 features a delicate pattern replicating lace held within a crystal front, revealing “how Stepper combines creative design, innovative manufacturing and eyewear know-how to produce something truly special”, said Stepper UK managing director, Peter Reeve. The ornate motif reinforces the lightness and elegance of the frame that’s created from lightweight TX5 and titanium.

The durable, flexible and strong frame offers a TX5 bridge, enhancing the frame’s light weight – weighing as it does just 7.6g. Also available with solid colour fronts, the SI-30164’s soft profile is designed to suit many face shapes and skin tones.

“Add to this the hypoallergenic properties of both TX5 and titanium and you can understand why this frame has already proven such an attractive choice for so many women,” added Peter. The SI-30164 is available in grey/cerise, rose, dusky pink/ grey and blue-grey/bronze, and in the eye size 54.15.

Soft lace inspired SI-30164

General Optical Council

The General Optical Council’s (GOC) 2022 Registrant Workforce and Perceptions Survey suggests that the majority of respondents (62 per cent) are satisfied in their role – a slight increase on last year’s survey results. However, despite improving job satisfaction, workplace conditions continue to be challenging for registrants with high numbers planning to either leave, retire, or reduce their working hours.

The survey also found that around 40 per cent of respondents planned to gain additional skills and qualifications.

Steve Brooker, GOC director of regulatory strategy, said: “While it is encouraging to see job satisfaction improving since last year, clearly there remain challenges for the sector to tackle, with significant minorities of respondents finding it difficult to cope with workloads and provide patients with a sufficient level of care.”

Read the full report at www.optical.org/Survey2022

CooperVision

CooperVision has welcomed the College of Optometrists' updated guidance for optometrists on myopia management in children, which states that when myopia management is within an optometrist’s scope of practice, treatment may be offered, provided optometrists have the relevant knowledge and skills to do so, through appropriate training and experience.

It advises that if myopia management is not currently within their scope of practice, that eyecare professionals should be able to hold a discussion with patients and parents about the evidence, benefits and risks of myopia management and refer to an appropriate local practitioner as required.

“Rates of myopia in children continue to rise in the UK and the longer axial lengths, associated with myopia, increase the risk of sight-threatening conditions such as myopic maculopathy, retinal detachment, and glaucoma later in life," said Christina Olner, head of professional services, CooperVision UK and Ireland. "We are encouraged by the renewed guidance from the College of Optometrists and welcome its recognition of this important field. Any increased awareness of myopia management will ultimately be to the benefit of young myopic patients," added Christina.