The College of Optometrists launches its Manifesto for Wales: Securing sustainable eye care

The College of Optometrists’ Manifesto for Wales sets out its four priority recommendations for the next Welsh government to build on Wales's strong foundation and further advance access to optometry-led community eye care: 

• Build a fully digital eye care service 
  It is essential for community optometrists to have fully digital two-way communication between optometry practices and health boards. This includes access to shared electronic patient records, standardised digital imaging and the ability to make seamless digital referrals, in order to deliver timely and coordinated care and prevent avoidable sight loss.  
• Continue to expand community eye care services 
  The College is calling for the next Welsh government to make full use of the optometry workforce to deliver the promised target of shifting 30,000 hospital setting appointments into primary eye care. 
  
  The new Welsh government must commit to maintaining and growing the new WGOS community eye care pathways for the benefit of patients across Wales.   
• Invest in a sustainable skilled optometry workforce
  Investment in education and training is vital to ensure Wales has the optometrists it needs, now and in the future. The College is calling for a national optometry workforce strategy to ensure patients have universal access to highly trained optometrists across Wales - especially in rural and deprived areas - and to prioritise upskilling to provide advanced community services. 
  
  Welsh universities and employers also need adequate funding and resources to support optometry students undertaking undergraduate and postgraduate clinical learning for pre-registration and postgraduate prescribing and specialist qualifications.  
• Address inequalities in access to eye care services 
  The College is calling for more public health interventions and a public education campaign to encourage adults and children to attend for regular eye examinations, specifically targeted at more disadvantaged communities and vulnerable patient groups.  
  
  Optometrists working in the community are in an ideal position to deliver public health messages on health and lifestyle, in addition to their crucial core role in eye health and in helping identify conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.