Building the expert workforce to meet patient need for eye and hearing care

Building the expert workforce to meet patient need for eye and hearing care

Investment in the community eye workforce is vital to meet patient need, notes Specsavers 2026 Access to care report.

‘The challenge facing our sector is not only meeting today’s demand but ensuring we have the workforce needed for the future,’ says Grant Duncan, director of professional development, Specsavers.

‘Developing skilled clinicians at every stage of their career is essential if patients are to continue receiving timely access to high-quality sight and hearing care.’

He adds that Specsavers is fully committed to supporting workforce development.

‘Over the last 12 months, we have seen 4,000-plus students enrolled on our accredited Cert 3 and 4 BTEC optical assistant and dispensing courses.

‘We also support almost 1,000 pre-registration optometrists through our pre-registration academy and CLiP academy offering clinical learning in practice placements.

‘Plus, we invested in advanced qualifications for 345 optometrists and delivered more than 150 CPD-accredited learning modules during the latest GOC cycle.’

Specsavers has been recognised as one of the UK’s top 20 large apprenticeship employers by the Department for Education as well, with around 600 apprentices a year. Around 98% of apprentices achieve distinction grades.

‘Workforce development doesn’t stop at qualification,’ adds Mr Duncan. ‘We continue investing throughout clinicians’ and colleagues careers.’

Read the report: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/reports/access-to-care-2026

Case study

Kevin Liu’s career highlights how enhanced services can improve access to care and reduce pressure on hospitals.

In Greater Manchester, he helped establish the Glaucoma Enhanced Referral Service, supporting patients with diagnosed or suspected glaucoma in the community.

Building on higher qualifications in independent prescribing, glaucoma, medical retina and low vision, Kevin later moved to Wales to make full use of the opportunities offered through the Welsh General Ophthalmic Services (WGOS) framework.

Today, as a practice director in Flint, he delivers advanced community eye care and helps train the next generation of independent prescribing optometrists.