First hospital-based pre-reg in Wales approaches qualification

Wales’ first hospital-based pre-registration optometrist has entered her final year of training to become a fully qualified optometrist.

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has celebrated the milestone, suggesting this highlights vital work being done to support paediatric and specialist eye care across the region.

Emily Taylor runs a weekly paediatric refraction clinic, equipped with specialist lenses and a head-mounted device.

Taylor also works in specialist contact lens clinics, supporting patients with rigid gas permeable lenses, scleral contact lenses, and soft contact lenses.

Supervisors, Elizabeth Hunt, clinical lead optometrist, and Clare Conaty, principal optometrist, successfully secured funding to support a pre-registration optometrist role.

Hunt said: “Obtaining the funding for this role within our department was an essential element in our mission to create a well-rounded, sustainable and adaptable hospital optometry team.”

“Upskilling of optometrists beyond core roles is increasingly playing an essential role within ophthalmology services across Wales. Having a pre-registration optometrist train within this environment at the start of their career, enables a smooth transition for their progression to more extended roles and allows us to create a sustainable workforce,” she continued.

Conaty added that Taylor’s hard work and enthusiasm has highlighted the value of the role “in creating the specialist workforce of the future and the importance of investing in pre-registration and newly-qualified team members.”

Emily’s pre-reg experience

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

Alongside her manager, Taylor has co-founded the Hospital Optometry Wales Group, which facilitates collaboration and knowledge-sharing among health boards in the country.

Commenting on her experience, Taylor said: “I always wanted to pursue a medical career. My volunteering with Sight Cymru in Pontypool and volunteering role as an eye clinic liaison officer at the Royal Gwent Hospital inspired me to specialise in optometry.”

“The opportunity to work in a hospital setting has been a truly unique and rewarding experience,” she added.

The health board now plans to recruit for the next pre-registration optometrist at the end of the year. Interested potential candidates are encouraged to get in touch by email.