Extended roles in hospital optometry and liaison with community optometrists

1 August 2008
Volume 09, Issue 3

The proliferation of extended roles involving optometrists as well as nurses has had a significant impact on the NHS modernisation agenda over the past 10 years.

Introduction 

The proliferation of extended roles involving optometrists as well as nurses has had a significant impact on the NHS modernisation agenda over the past 10 years. These new extended roles have required expansion in knowledge and skills by those health care professionals involved. In particular, this has now enabled hospital optometrists to manage a patient caseload that many would have considered unthinkable for an optometrist to undertake 10–15 years ago. It is estimated that approximately 4% of the optometry profession are engaged in hospital-based work, although as much as 10–15% of the profession have actually been employed in the Hospital Eye Service (HES) at some point in their career. The limited number of trained ophthalmologists, changes in junior doctors’ training, combined with the effects of the European Working Time Directive have collectively given rise to many opportunities for hospital optometrists to expand their roles. 

Sign in to continue

Forgotten password?
Register

Sign in to view the article

Not a member? Start enjoying the benefits of College membership today. Take a look at what the College can offer you and view our membership categories and rates.