Why is research important?
19 August 2022
Summer 2022
The College has invested over £5m over the last 40 years on optometry and vision science studies. Sophie Goodchild explores how valued research is, how it’s been incorporated into evidence based practice, as well as the accompanying challenges and opportunities.
Whether randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies or meta-analyses, the methodology and design involved in healthcare research techniques may differ, but the aim remains the same: to obtain high-quality clinical evidence to inform best practice.
As the profession’s scope of practice continues to expand, this increases the need for reliable data on which optometrists can base treatment decisions, drive the development of new models for eye disease prevention, and eradicate preventable sight loss.
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Related further reading
The GOC is consulting on an update to its 2013 Statement on the testing of sight, alongside proposed changes to the Standards of Practice for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians and the Standards for Optical Students.
The College of Optometrists has partnered with Boots Opticians to launch a new fully funded PhD Scholarship to extend the profession's investment in the next generation of optometry researchers.
The College of Optometrists is inviting members and non-members to nominate outstanding researchers for the annual Research Excellence Awards in recognition of those making a significant contribution to optometric research and the future of the profession.