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
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We believe that vaccine uptake will be maximised when staff are supported to make their own decisions, having been provided with clear, evidence-based information on the benefit and value of vaccinations.