31 January 2025
New research published in Eye has identified key trends within the optometry workforce in Scotland.
Researchers reviewed eye examination claim data, independent prescribing (IP) activity, optometrist headcount and days worked per week in 2022 and 2023.
They found an increase in the number of optometrists with IP qualifications over the period, from 350 to 396 optometrists. In 2023, around one in four (26.6%) optometrists working in Scotland were IP qualified.
“Upskilling to become an IP has had a significant impact in Scotland where optometrists are the first port of call for eye problems within the community,” the authors highlighted.
They added that the launch of the NHS Community Glaucoma Service in Scotland in 2023 illustrates the potential of IP optometrists to support eye care at a national level, with up to 20,000 stable glaucoma patients discharged from the hospital eye service into the community.
The researchers highlighted that there has been a steady growth in the proportion of female optometrists working in Scotland since 2019. In 2023, female optometrists accounted for 66.4% of the workforce – a 2.9% increase since 2019.
The authors observed that more than half of the active optometry workforce in Scotland is under 40 years old, adding that this contrasts with the older age profile of the hospital eye service.
“A young optometrist workforce promotes overall workforce sustainability, resilience and provides opportunities for further development,” they shared.
While there was an initial decrease in the number of days worked per week following the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers highlighted that working patterns appeared to stabilise between 2022 and 2023.
Around one third of the optometry workforce in Scotland deliver NHS eye examinations five or more days per week. A greater proportion of male optometrists work five or more days per week when compared to female optometrists.
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