Optometry Scotland-funded group launches research programme – Scottish Business News

A RESEARCH programme which aims to determine the value of OCT technology in enhanced community eyecare services has today been launched by a taskforce set up by Optometry Scotland. 

The short-life working group (SLWG) has distributed a comprehensive survey to both optometrists and practice owners across Scotland.  

This will explore the current use of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) technology in community optometry, alongside the associated cost to practice or patient. 

The findings will then be presented to the Scottish Government, with the goal of a prompting a funding review for enhanced community optometry autonomy.  

OCT is a non-invasive imaging test used to aid early diagnosis of eye health conditions. Retinal imaging allows optometrists to undertake crucial preventative care for their patients, ultimately reducing the long-term burden on secondary care resources and the NHS. 

Initial investment into the technology came from the Scottish Government in 2008, but no additional funding has been provided to date, giving way to private practice and accessibility barriers for some patients. 

Established in March, the SLWG is expected to spend at least six months on the research programme. Comprised of seven members, a breadth of stakeholders across the eyecare industry are represented. 

These include Julie Mosgrove and Eilidh Thomson, chair and vice chair of Optometry Scotland, as well as individuals from multiple and independent practices, NHS National Services Scotland, ophthalmology and the University of Aberdeen, which is carrying out the formal research on behalf of the group.  

Julie Mosgrove, chair of Optometry Scotland, said, “We are excited to launch this working group to examine the broader implementation of OCT technology in community optometry. Our aim is to ensure that this advanced diagnostic tool becomes accessible to all, improving early detection and treatment of eye conditions. By presenting our findings to the Scottish Government, we hope to advocate for investments that will benefit both patients and the overall healthcare system in Scotland.” 

Eilidh Thomson, vice chair of Optometry Scotland and practicing optometrist, added: “It is the role of Optometry Scotland to represent our members, and we believe that enhanced community services should not come at a cost for the practice or the patient.  

“The short-life working group was set up with this idea in mind, and we look forward to engaging with the appropriate authorities to ensure this can be demonstrated following the conclusion of our research.” 

Optometry Scotland is the representative body for the optical industry in Scotland, which has a proven track record of successfully advocating for optical professions. It has secured three consecutive increases in General Ophthalmic Service (GOS) fees paid to optometrists in the country since 2021. 

For more information, visit: https://www.optometryscotland.org.uk/