13 May 2008
Over 50 stakeholders with an interest in eye health joined representatives from the College of Optometrists at a research strategy workshop held on Friday 9 May in London.
Eye health professionals, including optometrists, ophthalmologists, academics, dispensing opticians and orthoptists met with research specialists from the voluntary sector, manufacturers and representatives from the Department of Health and the Welsh Assembly to develop a shared understanding of the themes and issues which the College’s new Research Strategy should seek to address.
Over the last two years the College has been developing a new research strategy to build on the success of its postgraduate scholarship and bursary awards scheme. There are four main strands to the College’s new research strategy: applied research, basic and translational research, commissioning research/influencing policy and funding. Friday’s workshop focused primarily on commissioning research and influencing policy.
Professor Marcus Longley, Professor of Applied Health and Policy and Associate Director of the Welsh Institute for Health and Social Care at the University of Glamorgan, facilitated the workshop. Opening the session he explained that the workshop aimed to explore the areas of consensus where research could make a contribution to policy. He encouraged delegates to focus on areas where new knowledge is needed to improve patient care and public health, asking delegates to consider the needs of “customers” ie patients and the general public policy makers in the 4 home countries, NHS providers and commissioners, commercial providers , optometric and other professionals.
Following a presentation examining the wider health picture, prepared by Nick Goodwin*, Senior Fellow of the King’s Fund, and an analysis of the sector presented by Professor John Lawrenson, Chair in Clinical Vision Sciences, City University and Trustee of the College of Optometrists, delegates broke into four groups to consider improving current services, building better services for the future and implementing change, and identifying what is actually needed to bring about “the future”.
Fiona Nixon, Director of Professional Standards at the College said “I am absolutely delighted with the level of interest in the new strategy. The day was a real success for the College, enabling us to generate a clear idea of the consensus of opinion regarding current issues in the sector and the evidence base which will be required. Consulting widely gave key stakeholders the opportunity to shape the future direction of the strategy. It is vital that we ensure the new strategy accurately reflects the profession’s needs; working closely with representatives from all of the major UK eye sectors puts us in a strong position moving forward.”
A report on Friday’s meeting will now be drafted and presented to the College’s Research Committee. Following this a five-year strategy, focusing on the key themes and priorities identified by stakeholders, will be agreed by the Research Committee and presented to the College’s Board of Trustees for approval. The specific research areas aligned to the strategy will be identified and calls for proposals then invited.
* Because of personal circumstances Nick Goodwin was unfortunately unable to attend the meeting