What I have learned

Amy Thompson, optometrist and secretary of Cheshire LOC, and Jill Umpleby, dispensing optician and the LOC CPD officer, explain their involvement in an atrial fibrillation stroke prevention pilot that has been running in East Cheshire since November 2020

Rob Coleman, business lead at M&S Opticians, and store manager, Sarah Wilson-Suffield, explain how the brand’s store rollout is prioritising customer convenience

OutsideClinic optometrists Jennie Atyeo and Shane O’Rawe discuss their motivations for switching to the domiciliary sector from the High Street

NHS Education for Scotland tells OT  how its Peer Assisted Learning network informed the launch of Optometry Practice Assisted Learning

The University of Plymouth’s Dr Leanne Smewing, clinical lead for optometry, and recent graduate Kelly Swoish, discuss how the university Centre for Eyecare Excellence has adapted following the pandemic

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

Three researchers from the Centre for Eye Research Ireland discuss their involvement in turning research on smartphone use and myopia into an article for children

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

Brand manager for Alcon UK & Ireland, Eddie Pigott, and Eyekandy chief marketing officer, Garrett Albanese, on taking patient support to an augmented reality platform

Lisa Cowan and Dr Louise Madden, leads for NHS Education for Scotland’s Glaucoma Award Training (NESGAT), and IP optometrist and student, David Cummins, discuss the new pilot course, the impact of COVID-19, and extending the remit of optometrists