Practitioner stories

With Dementia Action Week focusing on the difference between symptoms of dementia and ageing, domiciliary optometrists told OT  about the importance of patient-centred care, and the difference an eye test can make

As we look back on 2021 and prepare for a new year, OT  rounds up top research stories and High Street trends from the past 12 months, along with reflections from optometrists and the AOP

Clare Pearce, optometrist and practice director of Pearce and Blackmore Opticians, and Ingrid Patterson, Dementia Friendly communities coordinator, on ensuring accessible eye care and the importance of expanding skills

Amit Sharma, optometrist and director at Hakim Group's Pinder & Moore Opticians, in Kingswinford, and lecturers at Ulster University, Dr Julie McClelland and Patrick Richardson, discuss a special cohort of IP training

Practice owner Peter Frampton was in the first class of optometrists to qualify in independent prescribing, in 2009. More than a decade on, he explains how having a fully IP staff has huge benefits for the contact lens side of his business

With the fourth stage of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown delayed, OT  spoke with optometry professionals about what practice looks like currently, and some of the challenges ahead

The new NHS England programme provides an eye care service in special schools

How virtual consultations have won the support of patients and allied healthcare professionals – and why the change in approach and extended scope of practice for optometry should stay post-pandemic

Optometry Wales chief executive, Sali Davis, and Angharad Bowie, optometrist at Haverfordwest Specsavers, give OT  an insight into optometry’s role in the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Wales

Lorraine Shields, a retina nurse in the UK, on working collaboratively to ensure that patients receive appropriate diabetes care