NES Optometry

10/11/2025

📣NES are delighted to once again host the ‘Return to work’ course. This course is aimed at registered optometrists who have been out of work for some time or for those who are providing GOS services in Scotland for the first time.

🎉 Event Highlights:
• This two-day course combines lectures, discussion workshops, and practical sessions designed to boost confidence and deliver the latest knowledge required for providing GOS eye examinations in Scotland.
• Participant numbers are kept low to foster a relaxed and supportive learning environment, with small groups receiving close supervision from the NES optometry team.
• The course aims to be both informative and confidence building for all attendees.

BOOK HERE: https://learn.nes.nhs.scot/86928/optometry/course-booking/return-to-work-course-2026
📌 Stobhill Hospital
🗓️ Wednesday 28th & Thursday 29th January 2026
⌚ 09:30-16:00

31/10/2025

🎉 That’s a wrap on our Introduction to FTY FAQ series!

We’ve enjoyed sharing insights into the new FTY and we’re just getting started. Over the coming months we’ll expand our FAQ series, delving deeper into other aspects of the FTY including recruitment and placement plans as well as supervision and supervisor engagement.

📌 Follow this page to stay up to date with future FAQs, news, and developments.


📬 Want even more updates?
Subscribe to our quarterly FTY newsletter by emailing: nes.ftyoptometry@nhs.scot


🔍 For full details on the development of the FTY, visit our dedicated Turas Learn page: https://learn.nes.nhs.scot/71767

29/10/2025

📣Eyecare for Everyone Regional Evening CPD Event

*6 Interactive CPD points available*

Join NES and ABDO for a collaborative Continuing Professional Development (CPD) event designed specifically for GOC-registered professionals working in optical practices across Scotland.

🎉 Event Highlights:
• Interactive Discussion Workshop
• Peer discussion and reflection
This evening session will focus on strengthening your skills in:
• Appropriate clinical decision-making
• Effective multidisciplinary team collaboration
• Delivering inclusive, patient-centred care

Whether you're an optometrist, dispensing optician, or support staff, this event offers a valuable opportunity to reflect, share experiences, and enhance your practice in a supportive, collaborative environment.

BOOK HERE https://learn.nes.nhs.scot/86276

Let’s work together to raise the standard of care for every patient, every day.

📌Stirling Court Hotel
🗓️Tuesday 11th November 2025
⌚18:00-20:30
📚6 interactive CPD points

28/10/2025

Reflecting on FTY Stakeholder Day



Last week, we welcomed members of the FTY Stakeholder Group to an in-person meeting at Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow.

The day was packed with engaging presentations and hands-on sessions that highlighted the transformative power of simulation and technology in Optometry education. Attendees had the opportunity to experience the very simulations that FTY students will encounter during their placement year, bringing theory to life in a truly immersive way.

We wrapped up with a forward-looking discussion on the future of simulation within the FTY placement, sparking ideas and inspiration for what’s ahead.

We're happy to share this video showcasing some of the highlights from the day: https://vimeo.com/1131322977

💬 A big thank you to our participants for bringing such great energy and ideas to the event!

This is "Optometry FTY Stakeholder Day - October 2025" by NES on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

27/10/2025

❓FAQ #6: What is the timeline for development of the FTY?


We’re thrilled to share the journey behind the scenes of the development of the new FTY, designed to support student optometrists as they transition into confident, capable clinicians.


This is a collaborative effort, and we’re grateful to those involved in shaping it so far.

🔍 For full details on the development of the FTY, visit our dedicated Turas Learn page: https://learn.nes.nhs.scot/71767

23/10/2025

🎉 Save the Date! 🎉

Diabetes: From the Retina to Reality

🗓️ Monday 26 January 2026
📍 Stirling Court Hotel, University of Stirling
🕘 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Join us for a dynamic, in-person CPD day designed to deepen your understanding of diabetes, its impact on eye health and beyond.

This full-day event will feature an interactive mix of lectures, peer discussion and workshops exploring the lived experience of diabetes.

More details and registration information coming soon.

23/10/2025

⭐️Save the date⭐️

BIOS Conference & AGM 2026.

This exciting 2 day event will be held at Radison Blu, Glasgow on 18th & 19th June 2026.

For further details, please visit the link below:
https://orthoptics.org.uk/save-the-date-bios-conference-agm-2026-18th-19th-june-2026-glasgow/

23/10/2025

⭐️ NES Optometry are hiring ⭐️

An exciting opportunity has come up to join the NES Optometry team!

Education Lead: Flexible Location

✅Are you passionate about developing education for the optometry profession?
✅Do you want to support delivery of the NES Optometry programme across Scotland?

If so, we'd love to hear from you.

🌍For more details and to apply, please visit the NHS Scotland website: https://apply.jobs.scot.nhs.uk/internal/Job/JobDetail?jobid=230806&source=JobtrainRss

🏢0.8 WTE, Permanent Role
📆Deadline: Monday 3rd November

Flexible Location: Based throughout Scotland, NES is a remote friendly employer supporting office and hybrid working. We’re happy to talk about how you want to work.

17/10/2025

❓FAQ #5: Why is Scotland's new MOptom (IP) and FTY model different to the rest of the UK?

The education and training changes introduced by the General Optical Council have created a pivotal opportunity to reshape the future optometric workforce. These reforms mark a significant step forward in aligning undergraduate education with the evolving demands of modern optometric care.

Unlike other UK nations, Scotland’s approach integrates Independent Prescribing (IP) directly into the undergraduate curriculum. Students will graduate as fully IP-qualified optometrists, ready to deliver advanced clinical care.

As highlighted by Dr Janet Pooley, Chief Optometric Advisor to The Scottish Government, in the webinar shared in December 2023, the landscape of optometric practice has undergone considerable transformation in recent years. The new undergraduate training model is designed to reflect and embrace these changes, ensuring that future practitioners are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and adaptability required to meet the needs of a dynamic healthcare environment.

💭 Dr Pooley noted:

"Nearly one third of Scottish optometrists are already IP-qualified, well ahead of any other UK nation. This new training model ensures all future optometrists are equipped to support GPs, pharmacies, and patients more effectively."

This is an exciting time for the profession, and we look forward to supporting the development of a workforce that is not only clinically proficient but also prepared to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care across Scotland.


💬 Got a question? Submit them via this MS Form: https://forms.office.com/e/T32TYrSUr2

🔍 Look out for next week’s final FAQ in this series!

13/10/2025

🌟 NESGAT Open Night 🌟

Information Evening with Alumni Q&A – Join Us Online!

Are you curious about the NESGAT programme?

In anticipation of our fifth NESGAT cohort, we’re hosting a special online open night to support potential new students. This is your chance to hear directly from NESGAT alumni, gain insight into the course, and ask questions in a relaxed, informal setting.

📅 Dates: Monday 17th & Tuesday 18th November 2025
🕒 Time: 6.30 – 7.30pm
📍 Location: Online via MS Teams

What to expect:
A short presentation from NES
Informal Q&A with NESGAT alumni
Honest reflections on the journey, challenges, and impact of undertaking the programme

Hear from alumni about:
What inspired them to join NESGAT
Key highlights, challenges and learning moments
How the programme has impacted their clinical practice

Whether you're considering applying or just want to learn more, this session is designed to give you real insight into the NESGAT experience.

💬 Book now as spaces limited! https://learn.nes.nhs.scot/86341

10/10/2025

❓FAQ #4: What are the key features of the FTY?


The introduction of the FTY represents a significant change in placement provision for optometry students in Scotland.


Key Features of the FTY:

✅ Integrated Clinical Experience
Undertaken in the final year of the new MOptom (IP) programmes at Glasgow Caledonian University and the University of the Highlands and Islands, the FTY will provide structured, workplace-based training across diverse clinical settings.

✅ Centralised Placement Allocation
NES will oversee a quality-assured process to match students with placements, balancing student preferences and provider capacity.

✅ Comprehensive Support & Learning
Students will access distance learning, professional development events, and a robust support framework to build confidence and reinforce clinical knowledge.


✅ Quality Assurance
In partnership with universities and sector stakeholders, NES will uphold high standards in placements and supervisor training through strong governance and quality assurance.

🔍 For full details on the development of the FTY, visit our dedicated Turas Learn page: https://learn.nes.nhs.scot/71767

💬 Got a question? Submit it via this MS Form: https://forms.office.com/e/T32TYrSUr2


🔍 Look out for next week’s FAQ!

09/10/2025

📣Eyecare for Everyone Regional Evening CPD Event
Join NES and ABDO for a collaborative Continuing Professional Development (CPD) event designed specifically for GOC-registered professionals working in optical practices across Scotland.

🎉 Event Highlights:
• Interactive Discussion Workshop
• Peer discussion and reflection

This evening session will focus on strengthening your skills in:
• Appropriate clinical decision-making
• Effective multidisciplinary team collaboration
• Delivering inclusive, patient-centred care

Whether you're an optometrist, dispensing optician, or support staff, this event offers a valuable opportunity to reflect, share experiences, and enhance your practice in a supportive, collaborative environment.

BOOK HERE https://learn.nes.nhs.scot/86276

Let’s work together to raise the standard of care for every patient, every day.
📌Stirling Court Hotel
🗓️Tuesday 11th November 2025
⌚18:00-20:30
📚6 interactive CPD points