Qualification means Wick optometrist will offer ‘hospital-level’ expertise
A Caithness optometrist has gained a qualification that will allow for earlier and more accurate detection of eye disease as well as smoother hospital referrals for people in need of treatment.
Ian Morris, optometry director at Specsavers in Wick, has earned a master’s degree in primary care ophthalmology, a programme designed to equip optometrists with specialist skills and knowledge in community-based eye care.
Specsavers says his new qualification means customers will benefit from “hospital-level insight in an accessible, local setting”, reducing delays and easing pressure on NHS services.
Mr Morris was invited to present his thesis research at the British Congress of Optometry and Vision Science (BCOVS) in Glasgow earlier this month.
“Completing my master’s degree in primary care ophthalmology has given me a deeper understanding of eye disease and its treatments,” Mr Morris said.
“In addition to providing the full range of care I did before, this additional knowledge ensures that when a hospital referral is needed it is of the highest quality, strengthening communication and collaboration with our colleagues in the NHS.
“It was also a privilege to present my research at the BCOVS in Glasgow to an international audience of experts from countries including the USA, Vietnam, Malaysia and Australia.”
Mr Morris’s achievement comes as Specsavers celebrates nine years in Wick.
He said: “The last nine years have absolutely flown by, and I can hardly believe that next year will mark a decade of serving the Wick community.
“None of what we do would be possible without our brilliant team here in store and, of course, the loyalty of our customers who put their trust in us every day.”
Specsavers’ Wick branch is at 34 Bridge Street.
Specsavers also offers home visits for those unable to visit one of its 1000 locally owned stores.