Subject Benchmark Statement: Optometry
Publication date: 11 Apr 2024
Optometry
Subject Benchmark Statement
Subject Benchmark Statements describe the nature of study and the academic standards expected of graduates in specific subject areas. They show what graduates might reasonably be expected to know, do and understand at the end of their studies.
Below you will find the full Subject Benchmark Statement for Optometry. Alongside it, we have also published a summary designed to provide a short and accessible overview of the main Statement for students, employers and academics.
Subject Benchmark Statement: Optometry - the basics
Publication date: 11 Apr 2024
About this subject
Optometry combines scientific knowledge and patient-facing clinical skills to provide the best possible vision and visual health outcomes. Optometrists are registered healthcare professionals who specialise in the detection, diagnosis, management and rehabilitation of conditions affecting the eye and visual system.
Optometry graduates make significant contributions to the health and wellbeing of a population. They have roles in a wide variety of settings, including community practice, NHS hospital eye services, private clinics, higher education providers, charities and industry.
Professor Joy Myint - Chair of the Advisory Group
Professor of Optometry, Director of Learning and Teaching, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University
Optometry has evolved significantly as a profession and, coupled with changes to regulatory requirements, this new Statement is essential to meet the needs of the sector and provide them with a framework to drive excellence in optometric education. It has been developed by an advisory group drawn from a diverse range of experts including academics, students, professional associations, providers and accrediting bodies, representing the four nations and the wider sector.
The framework encourages creativity and innovation in education, sets a recognised standard and is future focused, enabling students to possess the necessary knowledge, skills and attributes to meet the continually advancing challenges of the profession.
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