We are seeking enthusiastic patient volunteers to join our Public and Patient Reference Group. As a member of the group, you will play a key role in supporting optometrists who work to prevent and manage eye diseases in the UK. Your insights will also contribute to our work to enhance eye care practices and standards. Please note we are not looking for optometrists or eye care professionals for this role but we would be grateful if you could signpost your patients to join the PPRG.
About us
Optometrists are healthcare professionals who are specialised in detecting and correcting conditions that affect vision and eye health. They examine eyes in order to identify any eye conditions or diseases, and can manage or treat them, or refer patients to other eye health specialists if necessary. They work in optical practices on the high street, in hospital eye clinics and may also visit patients at home or in day centres.
The College of Optometrists is the professional body for optometry. It qualifies the profession and delivers the guidance and development to ensure optometrists provide the best possible care. We promote excellence through the College’s affixes, by building the evidence base for optometry, and raising awareness of the profession with the public, commissioners and healthcare professionals.
The role
As a member of the PPRG you will:
- review and give feedback on ‘Plain Language Summaries’ in our Clinical Management Guidelines to make sure they are easy to understand
- take part in and feedback on a variety of college activities by sharing your experiences of eye care services
- attend and contribute to an annual virtual meeting and other occasional virtual meetings
- be prepared to evaluate and comment on a range of resources, consultations and campaigns relevant to patients
Membership of the PPRG will be for two years with an option to continue for an additional two years.
Who we are looking for
You will:
- have used high street eye care services/visited an optical practice for a sight test in last two years, or care for someone who has
- OR have experience of community and hospital optometric care, either as a patient or carer
You will also:
- have time to review documents and share your thoughts. It is estimated you will be reviewing around 30 plain language summaries over the course of a year
- be able to join a yearly meeting and occasional additional virtual meetings
- be able to communicate your views clearly and respect other people’s views
- keep all draft documentation shared as confidential and not share with anyone outside of the PPRG