Scotland optometry degree reforms

The Scottish Government’s (SG) chief optometric adviser has set out more detail on planned reforms to optometry undergraduate training and requirements to support optometrists’ more clinical roles.

In a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Glasgow Caledonian University, the University of the Highlands and Islands, NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and the SG agreed to various changes, including:

• Moving optometry education in Scotland from a three-year plus pre-registration bachelor’s level qualification to a five-year master’s level degree

• Funding to support students’ additional clinical experience in the first four years

• A Foundation Training Year at undergraduate level to replace the current pre-requirement comprising two placements of 24 weeks with students receiving an annual salary paid by NES

• Registration as IP optometrists once students satisfactorily complete the five-year master’s degree

• A post-registration programme at NES to support clinical decision-making, clinical management skills and mentoring.