Optical professionals place great emphasis on making decisions based on evidence, but it can be difficult to connect research findings with the patient experience. Specialist Optometrist, Matt Roney answers key questions on how to develop decision making skills in learners.

We look at how to instil duty of candour in optometry and ophthalmic dispensing learners and how to handle failure productively.

Guest contributor, Professor Irene Ctori, Associate Dean Undergraduate Studies, City, University of London gives her insight into the value of teamwork and how it can be instilled in optometry and dispensing optician learners.

This month, guest contributor, Alexandra Webster, Head of CPD, ABDO gives her thoughts on reflective practice.

A clinical audit can enhance skills in research, data collection, data interpretation, collaboration, feedback and reflection.

Adopting these simple techniques can enhance the confidence of optometry and ophthalmic dispensing learners when communicating with patients.

Mental health conditions and burnouts are high amongst the student population and there is a specific need to focus on wellbeing, particularly since the COVID 19 Pandemic.

Resilience is recognised as a key tool to manage stress, enhance coping skills when faced with adversity and improve mental wellbeing.

Leadership means different things to different people but there is no denying that investing in leadership will have a positive impact on clinical practice.

Here we have a look at various ways in which professionalism can be instilled in optometry and ophthalmic dispensing students.