An analysis of glaucoma repeat measures assessment results: Are core competencies enough?

Purpose: The need to validate core competency skills in qualified optometrists wishing to take part in extended roles in glaucoma care has been questioned. This analysis examines the ability of qualified optometrists to perform relevant core competency skills under standardised objective assessment conditions to explore whether such validation is justified. It also investigates if there are associations between performance, gender and length of time since qualification.

Referral thresholds for an integrated learning disability eye care pathway: a consensus approach.

Introduction: Local Optometric Support Unit (LOCSU) have published their refreshed clinical pathway for eye care for people with a learning disability. The document sets out the adjustments to practice that a community optometrist might make in order to provide optimal care for a person with learning disability attending a primary eye care assessment. The pathway specifically points to the need to retain patients in primary care where appropriate and 'reduce the number of people with learning disability who are inappropriately referred into the Hospital Eye Service (HES).

Continuing professional development requirements for UK health professionals: a scoping review.

Objectives: This paper sets out to establish the numbers and titles of regulated healthcare professionals in the UK and uses a review of how continuing professional development (CPD) for health professionals is described internationally to characterise the postqualification training required of UK professions by their regulators. It compares these standards across the professions and considers them against the best practice evidence and current definitions of CPD.

Design: A scoping review.

Findings from an opt-in eye examination service in English special schools. Is vision screening effective for this population?

Our objective was to present the findings of an opt-in, school-based eye care service for children attending 11 special schools in England and use these findings to determine whether a vision screening programme would be appropriate for this population. Data from eye examinations provided to 949 pupils (mean age 10.7 years) was analysed to determine the prevalence and aetiology of visual deficiencies and reported eye care history.

Paediatric community vision screening with combined optometric and orthoptic care: a 64-month review.

We report a new model of community-based secondary vision screening and demonstrate that a high proportion of children can be effectively managed in such a clinic without referral to the hospital eye service (HES). We performed a 64-month retrospective study of a secondary vision screening clinic providing the combined skills of an optometrist and orthoptist in a community setting. Particular attention was given to the diagnosis and management of children not referred to the HES.