Specsavers to support quest for added quals

Supporting optometrists gain additional qualifications

SPECSAVERS is increasing its support for optometrists to gain additional qualifications.

Clinical Services Director Giles Edmonds said that hundreds of thousands of pounds is being spent in 2023 to help partners who own and run local Specsavers practices and Home Visits domiciliary services fund optometrists’ professional advancement.

‘We know our clinicians love enhanced optical services and the range of development opportunities on offer – so we’re making a big investment here,’ says Mr Edmonds. ‘We’re going to go shoulder to shoulder on Professional Certificates for Medical Retina and glaucoma in the UK and Ireland as well as for Independent Prescribing courses in Scotland and Wales.

‘Last year, we offered 500 places but we’re going to double that to 1,000 in 2023. As well as supporting optometrists’ clinical development, it also helps develop their careers. It also supports our mission to change lives through better sight by helping patients.’

A target to increase the number of clinical technicians, who support optometrists, to two in each community practice has also been set – with Specsavers funding every penny of the training fees for these technicians.

‘It’s our biggest ever investment in clinical expertise,’ adds Mr Edmonds.

Specsavers is also revamping the structure of its Cert 3 and Cert 4 (BTEC) courses.

‘‘Both will now be modular and based on roles in practices including dispensing, clinical and lab technicians, making these courses truly bespoke. In April, these courses become even more prestigious, all leading to an externally accredited BTEC. Now this is truly unique within the sector,’ says Mr Edmonds.