Optometry Today releases new modules in practice team training

Optometry Today (OT), in collaboration with the Association of Optometrists (AOP) and in partnership with the Vision team at Johnson & Johnson, has released new modules in its practice team training programme.

The programme is a free online resource designed around essential skills used by the whole practice team.

Ceri Smith-Jaynes, OT Clinical Editor for Multimedia, said: “Every member of the practice team plays a vital part in creating a seamless patient journey. By expanding our training library, we now have something for every member of the practice team, from receptionists and optical assistants to practice managers, so they are equipped with the tools to develop and refresh key non-clinical skills with ease and professionalism.”

Risha Patel, Professional Education and Development Manager for Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, UK and Ireland, said: “Johnson & Johnson recognises the importance of the entire practice team in facilitating a seamless and successful patient contact lens journey. We are dedicated to fostering continuous education to enhance excellence in patient care.”

A new module presented by Patel explores contact lens application and removal training, and is designed to provide the practice team with a detailed understanding of how to effectively engage in discussions with potential new contact lens wearers.

Patel highlighted: “It will clarify common contact lens myths while offering practical techniques and helpful tips for the application and removal of contact lenses. It brings us great pleasure to continue to support OT’s Practice team training, with the aim of empowering teams to elevate their skills for the betterment of patient outcomes.”

The new modules bring the total suite of content to 12 modules, and include:

• From complaints to compliments: How to turn unhappy customers into loyal advocates by using example scenarios to teach effective complaint handling
• Effective triage: How to assess the urgency of patient calls or walk-ins, ask the right questions and spot red flag symptoms that require immediate attention
• Improving the quality of visual fields tests: Techniques for teams to help patients deliver more accurate and reliable visual fields results
• Contact lens application and removal training: Best practices in communicating with patients starting their contact lens journey, building confidence and technique.

Each module contains a pre-recorded lecture and concludes with a short multiple-choice exam. Participants who pass receive a downloadable certificate of completion, allowing practices to track their team’s ongoing development.

Practice owners are encouraged to include modules in annual development plans to boost confidence, competence and career progression across the entire team.

These modules are part of a suite of AOP education aimed at the practice team, which includes the Practice Team Training Day on 21 September. This will be available to book from 16 July.

To access the training modules online, visit: www.optometry.co.uk/practiceteamtraining

Ends

For more information, please contact Anjola Sulaiman, PR and Media Executive, at the Association of Optometrists, [email protected] or telephone 0207 549 2062.

Notes to Editors

Association of Optometrists

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is the voice of the optical profession, representing over 80% of practising optometrists. The AOP elevates the work of its members, safeguards their interests, and champions eye health across the UK. For more information, visit www.aop.org.uk

Optometry Today

Optometry Today (OT) has a readership of over 18,623 AOP members and subscribers in print and online. The OT ABC audit certificate is available online: www.abc.org.uk/product/5966-optometry-today. OT’s website offers daily news, interviews, in-depth features and analysis, plus exclusive access to over 42 CPD exams per year, including bimonthly CPD video content. For more information, visit www.optometry.co.uk