What makes a great optometrist? Sound knowledge? Up-to-date skills? Or first-rate communication?

What about creativity, persuasion, collaboration and adaptability?

A LinkedIn data analysis showed these were employers’ top four ‘most wanted’ soft skills in 2019. And 57% of senior leaders on LinkedIn said soft skills were more important than hard. Does this hold true for optometrists as well? 

“Collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, persuasion and the adaptable communication associated with all of them are really important skills,” according to College Council member Kiki Soteri MCOptom.

“Many optometrists have them and they could be nurtured further, yet they are too easily overlooked. With optometry degrees designed around the core competencies as set out by the General Optical Council [GOC], and CET focused on maintaining those core competencies, there is a risk of holding ourselves back in these areas.”