Workforce Development

The Confederation coordinates a regional Workforce Development Project founded in 2021 following successful bids for support funding from the NHS.

Its aims are:

• To enhance and develop an integrated local optometric workforce.

• To increase the skill mix of the primary care workforce and ensure the skill development meets the needs of both primary and secondary care to the benefit of patients and the eyecare system overall.

• Develop clinical leadership skills and create clinical champions to support peer to peer learning and mentoring.

To meet its aims, it is:

• Optimising core competencies through locally convened workshops, co-learning events and secondary care placements with locally acknowledged accreditations.

• Developing extended competencies and increase the skill mix of the primary care workforce by providing training and grants towards approved higher qualifications.

Progress to-date:

Learning events have included: Peer discussion sessions, F2F Grand Rounds vitreo-retinal training, Paediatric dispensing days, Clinical Paediatric Workshops and Foreign Body Workshops.

In 2025 Goldmann Refreshers, OCT training and Neuro-Ophthalmology sessions are being planned.

151 Applications for grants have been received by the end of 2024, with 67 courses completed so far.

How can I benefit from this project?

For practices and individuals to benefit from local learning events, please ensure you are signed up to your LOC mailing list.

For information on applying for a grant towards an approved higher qualification please see the following document:

Grant offers 2025 How to Apply

And apply for your grant through our online portal here