The implications of teleoptometry for the locum workforce

From High Street optometrists triaging patients on the basis of photos and videos, to remote consultations, there was a growth in the number of clinical interactions that occurred online.

More than five years after the outbreak of the pandemic, teleoptometry remains a small but significant facet of eye care provision in the UK.

The field presents both challenges and opportunities for the locum workforce. In this article, OT explores the views of locum optometrists on what teleoptometry will mean for the profession.

A valuable adjunct

Locum optometrist, Hammad Mansoor, told OT that he viewed teleoptometry as a “valuable adjunct” to in-person optometry – not a replacement.

“It could help support remote triage, follow-ups, and advice,” Mansoor said.

“It could also enable continuity of care for patients who are housebound, in remote areas or even abroad,” he added.

He highlighted that a widespread roll out of teleoptometry could result in anxiety among the locum workforce.

“I think the main impact it will have on the locum workforce is that it will significantly reduce locum rates and shift availability, as it will reduce demand for traditional in practice clinic shifts,” Mansoor shared.

Locum optometrist, Usman Beg, told OT that teleoptometry has the potential to create flexible work options for colleagues trying to balance family responsibilities or other commitments.

He added that teleoptometry also has the potential to enhance access to care for patients in areas that have traditionally struggled to attract optometrists.

“As a locum optometrist, I’m mindful of how teleoptometry may affect the future of our workforce. Although it’s been talked about for several years, only a small number of UK optometrists are actually involved in it. That makes it difficult to properly assess its safety, efficiency, or wider professional impact,” he said.

Beg reflected that he has observed a cultural shift among locum optometrists where they are willing to accept lower rates of pay in exchange for other benefits – such as shorter clinics, easier setups, newer equipment, or less travel.

“Remote work would inevitably accelerate that trend. A locum might reason, ‘If I don’t have to drive an hour each way or pay for petrol, I’ll happily accept less.’ It sounds logical from one person’s perspective – but scale that up, and the whole market suffers,” he emphasised.

He shared his hope that the locum workforce takes a “sensible approach” to any expansion of teleoptometry.

“I think it’s vital that we move with the times, modernise our profession, and refine the frameworks we work within. But too often, every opportunity to progress seems to come with a step towards devaluing our profession, our worth, and our time,” Beg reflected.

OT

Francesca Marchetti, locum optometrist

Reflecting changing workforce demographics

Locum optometrist, Francesca Marchetti, shared that at present teleoptometry is playing a limited role within the UK – with only a few practices, hospitals and corporate businesses venturing into this field.

“However, with continual advances in AI, I can see this role will definitely be stepping up,” she said.

She shared her view that much of teleoptometry could be facilitated by the locum workforce.

Marchetti highlighted that there are potential benefits for the increasingly female optometry workforce.

“Working mothers could take a more flexible approach to their role as teleoptometry is predominantly centred around working from home,” she said.

Marchetti added that those practitioners with physical disabilities could also benefit from a homeworking arrangement.

Locum optometrist, Frank Eperjesi, shared his view that teleoptometry could offer value for triaging patients.

“People with new symptoms and/or anterior eye signs could be assessed remotely using teleoptometry. For example, a person with signs and symptoms of blepharitis could be advised on lid hygiene, or a person with recent onset flashes and floaters could be advised to attend a local optometry practice or local hospital eye service clinic,” he said.

He noted that locum optometrists could contribute to a teleoptometry triaging service.

“The service could be offered from the locum's home, saving travel time and costs,” Eperjesi said.

He noted that depending on the level of delegation to clinical assistants, teleoptometry could reduce the total number of optometrists employed by a company.

The AOP perspective is that remote consultations can be a useful tool in certain situations, but careful consideration needs to be given as to whether it’s in the patient’s best interests to offer this

The AOP view

AOP head of clinical and regulatory, Henry Leonard, told OT that in response to an increase in remote consultations during the pandemic, the AOP published guidance on the topic to assist members.

He added that this remote consultation guidance has since been updated to cover situations where it may be appropriate to offer remote consultations in everyday practice.

“The AOP perspective is that remote consultations can be a useful tool in certain situations, but careful consideration needs to be given as to whether it’s in the patient’s best interests to offer this,” Leonard said.

“Individual practitioners need to be mindful about the limits of these technologies and adopt a low threshold for in-person examination when there are concerns,” he highlighted.

The College of Optometrists has also produced guidance on remote consultations.

Leonard highlighted that if a complaint arises regarding a remote consultation, it is likely that the examining optometrist would be held responsible for the care of the patient.

“If you decide to take on this role, you should ensure that you have received proper training and are comfortable that patients are receiving an adequate sight test,” he shared.