University partnership with Boots Opticians and College of Optometrists

The University of Hertfordshire is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with Boots Opticians and the College of Optometrists to support the delivery of its new and unique undergraduate training programme.

This distinctive four-year Masters in Optometry programme integrates theory, research, science and clinical practice. Students will focus on achieving parallel success as both a professional clinician and as a scientist. There will be a strong practice focus, based in newly designed and specialist-built Optometry clinical rooms and laboratories, which feature state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. The department has an excellent reputation in clinical simulation education which will underpin the new delivery throughout.   

This collaboration will enable a structured, supported programme of clinical experience with the objective of raising the standards in optometry education.

Professor Soraya Dhillon MBE, Dean of the School of Life and Medical Sciences said: “On behalf of the School I am delighted to have officially launched the Masters in Optometry programme. Through our partnerships with the College of Optometrists, Boots Opticians and clinical ophthalmology teams from East and North Herts NHS trust and Luton and Dunstable Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, we are developing inclusive and mutually beneficial relations that will improve the quality of our students learning experience.”

Boots Opticians recognise that primary care needs are demanding Optometrists to deliver a more holistic level of care to patients in the community than ever before. They also recognise that as healthcare professionals, Optometrists are passionate about delivering a comprehensive level of care that may address needs beyond direct eye care interventions e.g. referral to smoking cessation service.

Victoria O’Connor, Senior Manager, Colleague Education, Boots Opticians comments: “At Boots, we believe that we provide a truly unique working environment for our Optometrists through our close working partnership with community pharmacy and community audiology. We recognise the benefits that this delivers to our patients through the accessibility of several different healthcare services under one roof. Our clinicians also experience a unique opportunity to work and develop in an environment that allows them to be the ‘complete professional’.” 

This partnership will support the development of undergraduate training to ensure that optometrists of the future are fully equipped with the skillset and confidence to meet the ever changing needs of our profession.

ENDS

For more information, please contact Kelsey Arif, University of Hertfordshire Press Office on 01707 285163, Email: k.arif3@herts.ac.uk  

Notes to Editor

About the University of Hertfordshire

• The University is the UK’s leading business-facing university and an exemplar in the sector.  It is innovative and enterprising and challenges individuals and organisations to excel. 

• The University of Hertfordshire is one of the region’s largest employers with 2,700 staff and a turnover of over £238 million.

• With a student community of 25,300 including 2,800 overseas students from 100 different countries, the University has a global network of over 195,000 alumni.

• It is also one of the top 100 universities in the world under 50 years old, according to the new Times Higher Education 100 under 50 rankings 2014.

• For more information, please visit www.herts.ac.uk

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