An evaluation of optometric advanced skills within a UK tertiary based setting

IntroductionHospital-based optometrists are undertaking extended roles across ophthalmology that may require them to perform advanced skills (AS). Moorfields Eye Hospital (MEH) is the largest UK employer of hospital-based optometrists, it was sought to investigate which AS are being performed at this centre and how they align to the four pillars of advanced clinical practice (ACP).MethodsAn online survey was sent to MEH optometrists in May 2022 that asked about professional status, sub-specialties worked, qualifications, acquisition and validation of AS, research and leadership.ResultsNinety-six optometrists with mean post-qualification experience was 16.2 years (SD 10.4) responded to the survey. There were 84 AS that covered clinical, leadership and research, with respondents achieving a mean of 11.8 (SD 10.3). Those with independent prescribing (IP) qualifications (n = 52) had a higher number of AS compared to non-IP optometrists (p = 0.03). There were 68 clinical AS across the sub-specialties (23 clinical AS were common in >= 2 sub-specialties), 49 out of 120 clinical AS could be performed by at least 60% of staff. Twenty-six optometrists identified with leadership, 56 had undertaken research/audit, 27 had published within a peer-reviewed journal and half of the time spent in active research was funded.ConclusionAS are being performed by optometrists within a tertiary eye hospital that supports ACP. IP optometrists had higher self-reported AS but current educational frameworks don't accommodate for some AS. Targeted AS courses with competency-based sign-off may further support high-quality patient care. Further research is required on how advanced care practitioners can support workforce transformation.

Automated summary

This study investigated the advanced skills performed by optometrists at Moorfields Eye Hospital, the largest employer of hospital-based optometrists in the UK, and examined their alignment with the four pillars of advanced clinical practice. The results showed that optometrists are performing advanced skills within the hospital, particularly those with independent prescribing qualifications. However, there is a need for targeted AS courses with competency-based sign-off to support these skills further and enhance patient care. Further research is also necessary to explore how advanced care practitioners can contribute to workforce transformation.