Optometrists and dispensing opticians who provide low vision services invited to complete survey

Optometrists and dispensing opticians who provide a low vision service within primary care optometry in England are invited to complete a short online survey.

Optometry lecturer at The University of Manchester and PhD candidate, Emma Gould, told OT that low vision services in England appear to be “inequitable and unevenly distributed.”

“In contrast to Wales where there is a successful national low vision service based in optometry practices, optometry practices in England likely make up only a very small proportion of low vision service provision,” Gould observed.

“This research aims to map low vision services in primary care optometry practices in England to highlight the important contributions of those involved and to provide an evidence base to support future service expansion in these settings,” she said.

Gould highlighted that the questionnaire takes fewer than five minutes to complete.

“The survey asks about characteristics of the low vision service in your practice, such as which professionals are involved, sources of referrals, waiting times, and funding sources,” she shared.

“It also asks about factors affecting the capacity of the low vision service in your practice and how and why the capacity may change over the next five years,” Gould added.

The deadline for filling out the survey, which can be completed online, is 31 October.

Gould highlighted that all responses to the survey will be analysed anonymously.

“We plan to publish the results in an academic journal and work with sector partners to use the findings to help champion and inform the development of low vision pathways in primary care optometry practices,” she shared.