Exploring the public perception of optometry in Wales

An independent prescribing (IP) optometrist has pointed to changes during the pandemic as playing a role in shifting the public perception of optometry.

Cardiff University senior lecturer and IP optometrist, Dr Grant Robinson, highlighted that the change in how the public views the profession began with the introduction of the Wales Eye Care Service and the Low Vision Service Wales.

He also pointed to the launch of the independent prescribing optometry service (IPOS) and the ophthalmic diagnostic treatment centres during the pandemic as playing a role in influencing public perception.

“They offer new avenues where the public can experience more clinical care compared to what optometrists were previously able to provide in Wales,” he said.

As part of the latest public perception research carried out by the General Optical Council, members of the public were asked where they would go if they woke up with an eye problem.

In Wales, 43% of respondents said they would go to their optometry practice.

 

Robinson highlighted the role of professional collaboration in changing attitudes and boosting this figure further.

“I think the next step in changing public perception is working at an interdisciplinary level with GPs, pharmacists and other healthcare providers to really ensure that everyone is aware of what optometrists can do and what patients can be signposted to,” he said.

Talking about the role of IP, Robinson shared that during the pandemic non-IP qualified optometrists would refer to IP optometrists if appropriate.

“Those patients would have otherwise been referred to the hospital eye service. There were being kept out of the hospital eye service and treated in the community,” he said.

Robinson added that the service was so successful that it has evolved following the pandemic to have elements incorporated within the new Wales General Opthalmic Services contract.

“As a member of the general public, if you are able to get treatment in the community and get a script for whatever ophthalmic drugs you need from your optometrist – that is going to actively change perception,” he said.