Update for practitioners without EHEW-accreditation

An update has been issued from Optometry Wales, highlighting that practitioners planning to provide NHS optometry services in Wales following the implementation of the new optometry contract must have completed the appropriate training.

All optometrists and other medical practitioners (OMPs) practising in Wales, including locums and providers of mobile (domiciliary) services, and contractors, must be accredited for Eye Health Examination Wales (EHEW) services before the new regulations come into force. Optometry Wales expects this date to be October 2023.

The mandatory elements of EHEW accreditation are to:

• Complete all the mandatory online training materials and pass the MCQ exams
• Complete a virtual session: EHEW Services Virtual Peer Discussion (duration 90 minutes, 3 CPD points). This can be booked via [email protected]
• Attend an in-person session for ocular foreign body practical workshop (duration one hour, 3 CPD points). This can be booked via [email protected]
• Attend an in-person session for the MECS OSCEs (duration one hour). This can be booked via [email protected]

Optometry Wales advise practitioners to allow up to six weeks for completion of all the elements.

Optometry Wales has confirmed that events have been scheduled and support is available to ensure that practitioners can complete their training in advance of the contract implementation.

For further information, or for questions, contact: [email protected]