EHEW accreditation to be required for all NHS optometry services in Wales

Eye Health Examination Wales (EHEW) accreditation will be required for all optometrists and other medical practitioners practising in Wales once the new optometry contract is implemented, Optometry Wales has confirmed.

All those providing NHS optometry services in Wales, including locums, domiciliary providers, and contractors, must be EHEW-accredited before the new regulations come into force.

Optometry Wales expects the new contract to be implemented in October 2023, OT understands.

To obtain EHEW accreditation, practitioners must:

• Complete all the mandatory online training materials and pass the associated multiple-choice exams
• Complete the 90-minute virtual session, EHEW Services Virtual Peer Discussion, which is worth three continuing professional development (CPD) points
• Attend a practical, in-person ocular foreign body workshop, which lasts one hour and is worth three CPD points
• Attend a one-hour, in-person session for the Minor Eye Conditions Service Objective Structured Clinical Examinations.

All sessions have been scheduled, and can be booked via Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW).

Optometry Wales has advised that practitioners allow up to six weeks for completion of all the required EHEW elements.

Support is available to ensure that practitioners can complete their training in advance of the contract implementation, Optometry Wales added.

HEIW has emphasised that non-accredited practitioners should make contact with them directly, as the amount of work required to receive accreditation will vary depending on individual circumstances. Those with questions can contact HEIW via email.