10 January 2020

Member alert: College's response to the consultation on an optometrist apprenticeship standard

Following feedback from members we have finalised our response to the consultation on an optometrist apprenticeship standard, and our open letter to the Trailblazer Group.

We have challenged many aspects of the proposal, and are calling for a pause to any further development until these challenges can be fully reviewed and addressed.  

Read our consultation response and letter: 

We have added a degree apprenticeship discussion session to the Optometry Tomorrow 2020 programme to help inform our position on apprenticeships, and to get member views on broader education and workforce development issues. If you already have your conference ticket and want to get involved in this important discussion, please reserve your place on this session now (takes place Monday 24 February at 8am). Tickets are still available for those who haven't already booked - use discount code NEWYEAR2020 for a two-day ticket for the discounted rate of £200 (offer ends 24 Jan).

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to contact us over the last few weeks. We have listened, and have represented your concerns in our response. We will continue to update and involve members on this issue.

Also see: 

Related further reading

As the demand for ophthalmology services among new and existing patients mounts, Sophie Goodchild explores a pathway to support people on NHS lists at every stage of their eye care journey.

Olivier Denève, College Head of Policy & Public Affairs, heralds a new era in UK politics and calls for action to end the eye care crisis.

Claire Moulds examines the impact of a power of attorney on the patient relationship.