Investigating communication skills of optometrists

Dr Peter Allen, Director of Clinics for Vision and Hearing Sciences and member of the Vision and Eye Research Unit, alongside the College of Optometrists and King's College London, has secured a £40,000 grant to investigate the communication skills of optometrists.

The project aims to produce a range of evidence-based learning materials which will benefit qualified optometrists, pre-registration optometrists and undergraduates alike. Previous research has found that patients are sensitive about discussing their eye problems with their optometrist.

Awarded by the Economic and Social Research Council, the College of Optometrists has invested £130,000 into the development of the project, which is in line with its objective to support other organisations in the development of research to increase the evidence base for eye care.

Co-investigator, Dr Allen, said:

"This project is highly relevant for all optometrists. How we elicit information from a patient can determine diagnosis.

"Through workshops and seminars, we hope to gain further understanding of communication and to identify current issues, as well as what information and training is needed to support optometrists in practice."

Bookmark this page with: