SpaMedica launches pre-reg training programme to support future generations of optometrists
SpaMedica is partnering with Vision Express to offer pre-registration training placements to 150 aspiring optometrists. Trainees will have the opportunity to shadow SpaMedica’s clinical teams and in-house optometrists as they treat patients with a variety of eye conditions, including cataracts and wet AMD.
Hospital Eye Service is a core component of the Scheme for Registration, and SpaMedica has worked in close collaboration with The College of Optometrists to provide accredited placements for the trainees, who are currently gaining high street experience at Vision Express practices across the country.
The pre-reg training programme will be run across SpaMedica’s nationwide network of hospitals, ensuring as many trainees as possible can access the provision. Trainees will take part in cataract pre- and post-operative clinics, as well as medical retina services. They will also see SpaMedica’s theatre teams in action, with procedures ranging from cataract removal to vitreo-retinal surgery. Placements will last for 2.5 days, and trainees will also have the opportunity to attend virtual clinics with patients, learning how to provide care and advice remotely.
Tom Critchley, SpaMedica’s Principal Optometrist, said:
“We know hospital placements for pre-reg optometrists can be difficult to secure due to limited availability, so we’re delighted to be working with Vision Express and The College of Optometrists to facilitate wider access to professional development and training opportunities. During their placements, our pre-reg trainees will gain a variety of practical skills, underpinned by theoretical modules that will help them throughout their careers.”
The trainees will be in good hands – all of SpaMedica’s hospitals inspected by the Care Quality Commission have been rated as ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ and 98% of patients who have reviewed the provider on the NHS website have given SpaMedica a five-star rating. SpaMedica also runs a training programme for ophthalmic surgeons, with registrar Zheng Yang Xu stating: “if you have the opportunity to train with SpaMedica, you should definitely take it!”
Dan McGhee, Director. Professional Services for EssilorLuxottica Optical Retail UK and Ireland / Vision Express UK and Ireland, said:
“SpaMedica has an excellent reputation in the optical sector and our partnership will ensure pre-reg optometrists are able to access high-quality training and supervision in both community and hospital settings, meeting many of the competencies outlined in the Scheme for Registration.”
The first pre-registration optometrist from Vision Express, Rafeh Rehman, started his hospital placement at SpaMedica Manchester on 4th February, where he was greeted by Tom Critchley, Alex Vann (National Lead Optometrist (Cataract)), and the wider clinical team.
Rafeh said: “It was lovely to receive such a warm welcome and I’m looking forward to gaining valuable experience and expanding my skillset. It will be really interesting to get an insight into hospital optometry and I’m grateful to both Vision Express and SpaMedica for helping me on my journey to becoming a registered optometrist, ensuring I’m able to deliver the highest standard of care to my patients.”
SpaMedica has plans to welcome more pre-reg optometrists in the future, consolidating their commitment to supporting professional development and advancing patient care across the UK.