As the Welsh Optometric Committee (WOC) issues a “climate emergency” declaration, Kathy Oxtoby speaks to Tim Morgan MCOptom at Health Education and Improvement Wales on the implications for the profession.
Around 18 million GOS forms are filled out by hand every year, but an online system is now available to submit claims electronically to PCSE. Natalie Healey explores the implications for practice, and an early adopter shares top tips for making the move.
As the Brexit transition period comes to an end and trade talks reach a critical stage, we ask industry experts what leaving the EU means for the UK optometry sector.
It is not mere sentiment, says Rima Evans – compassion is a behaviour that can bring about significant improvements in treatment, optometrist wellbeing and business outcomes.
Researchers explored whether visual information from a suppressed amblyopic eye can influence the conscious perception of stimuli presented to the fellow eye. We take a look at their study.
Professional boundaries can blur in online interactions. The language we use and our posts on social media may bring negative consequences for individual careers and the profession. Anna Scott asks what optometrists should know.
Disputes within a team can reduce its effectiveness and be detrimental to patient care. Claire Moulds looks at ways to successfully manage those team members at loggerheads.
Whether the perpetrator is a patient, a colleague or a manager, sexual harassment in the workplace should never be brushed under the carpet, writes Abi Millar.
Staff benefits can help companies to attract talent and keep employees happy and motivated, writes Kathy Oxtoby. But – from dog-walking services to flexible working – what perks do employees prize the most?
College members identify the best uses of LinkedIn, the benefits it can bring, and their recommendations for making the most of this social networking site.
How can health coaching improve patient outcomes and strengthen the patient-practitioner relationship? Sophie Goodchild explores the benefits and challenges of personalising care and empowering your patients.
Studying for an MBA is often the route of choice for those with business or managerial career ambitions, writes John Windell. But what exactly does it entail? And who should consider it?
It’s frustrating when a patient reaches the consulting room door only to bring up a new topic, writes Steve Smethurst. How can communication be improved to avoid this?
Handovers are an essential, but often overlooked, aspect of the patient’s journey. Abi Millar shows why handovers are so important and what it takes to get it right.
Going back to work after a long break can be daunting. Sophie Goodchild provides advice and insights on making a successful return to the consulting room.
The use of family members as interpreters by non-English speaking patients is a long-established tradition, but there is a better way, writes Steve Smethurst.
Volunteering from your own home allows optometrists to contribute their skills and experience while fitting it around other commitments, writes Kellie Smith.
Publishing a case study to share what you have learnt can be a highly enjoyable and educational aspect of practice. In each print edition of Acuity, we publish a member case study, why not submit your own after reading these 10 tips?
Léa Surugue asks if men are being deterred from becoming optometrists or whether women simply find the profession’s increasingly flexible work patterns more amenable.
Optometrists often share premises with audiologists, but what other businesses work well in tandem with optometry? Steve Smethurst shows how additional services can improve patient experience and make good business sense.
Online eyewear sales surged during Covid-19. With many patients still opting to buy online, says Helen Bird, how can optometrists reassert their value and help to drive dispensing back in store?
In the second part of our series on how to run a busy clinic, Kathy Oxtoby looks at how different clinics maximise clinic time to maintain a quality service, while increasing numbers of patients fail to turn up.
In the third and final article in Acuity’s series on how to run a busy clinic, Kathy Oxtoby looks at practitioner and patient experiences of different business models and ways to provide the best service.
Remote consultations were seen as a short-term pandemic solution, but they look like they’re here to stay. Steve Smethurst looks at the benefits of tele-optometry and the video software optometrists should consider.
How could – and should – the consulting room evolve in line with clinical practice? Sophie Goodchild explores those aspects optometrists must consider to modernise and future-proof their examination space.
Optometrists must make plain to patients the risks and benefits involved in any eye treatment or care. Rima Evans asks how they can sharpen their communication so patients feel fully informed.