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

Abstract Introduction Hospital-based optometrists are undertaking numerous extended roles across ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital (MEH) NHS Foundation Trust is the largest UK employer of hospital-based optometrists. It was sought to investigate what advanced skills (AS) are being performed and their relevance to the four pillars of advanced clinical practice (ACP) in this centre. Methods An online survey was sent to MEH optometrists in May 2022 that asked about professional status, subspecialties worked, qualifications, performance and validation of AS, research and leadership. Results Ninety-six responses were received, mean post-qualification experience was 16.2 (SD 10.4). There were 84 independent AS that covered clinical, leadership and research, with respondents achieving a mean of 11.8 (SD 10.3) AS. 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 subspecialties (23 clinical AS were common in 2 or more subspecialties), 49 out of 120 clinical AS could be performed by at least 60% of staff. Twenty-six optometrists identified with leadership, fifty-six had undertaken research/audit, 27 had published within a peer-reviewed journal and 50% of time spent on research was supported by funding. Conclusion AS are being performed by optometrists within a tertiary eye hospital that supports ACP. IP Optometrists IP 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 be provisioned to support workforce transformation.