Workforce Development

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

As all NHS funding received has now been allocated the applications portal has been closed until further NHS funding is received.

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:

238 = Total number of Grants Applications received

Future Events planned:
o OCT Events
o Clinical paediatric Workshops
o Enhanced Services Interactive event
o Vitreo-Retinal Training