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Wales' First Hospital-Based Pre-registration Optometrist Makes History

Thursday 13th February 2025

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is proud to celebrate a groundbreaking milestone in NHS Wales as Emily Taylor, Wales’ first hospital-based Pre-registration Optometrist, enters her final year of training to become a fully qualified Optometrist. 

Emily’s pioneering role at the Health Board is a testament to the steps being taken to enhance patient care and provide specialised optometry services in hospital settings. Her position highlights the vital work being done to support paediatric and specialist eye care across the region. 

Every Wednesday, Emily runs a paediatric refraction clinic, conducting eye exams to assess children’s need for glasses and checking the health of their eyes. Equipped with specialist lenses and a head-mounted device, Emily meticulously examines both the front and back of the eye to ensure optimal eye health.

Emily’s role also includes working in specialist contact lens clinics, where she performs contact lens fittings for patients with complex needs. These include: 

  • Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses: Used for patients with high prescriptions or conditions like Keratoconus. 

  • Scleral contact lenses: Designed for patients with advanced Keratoconus or compromised corneas. 

  • Soft contact lenses: Often used in combination with RGP lenses for enhanced comfort in a configuration known as ‘piggyback lenses.’ 

What sets Emily’s work apart is the availability of these advanced lenses within the hospital, which are not typically accessible through community opticians. Emily goes the extra mile to teach patients how to confidently and safely use their lenses, including using fluorescein dye to assess the fit of scleral lenses for optimal comfort and effectiveness.

Reflecting on her career journey, Emily said: "I always wanted to pursue a medical career. My volunteering with Sight Cymru in Pontypool and volunteering role as an Eye Clinic Liaison Officer at the Royal Gwent Hospital inspired me to specialise in optometry. The opportunity to work in a hospital setting has been a truly unique and rewarding experience."

Emily’s supervisors, Elizabeth Hunt (Clinical Lead Optometrist) and Clare Conaty (Principal Optometrist), recognised the value of adding a Pre-registration Optometrist to their team and successfully secured funding to support the role.

Elizabeth said: “Obtaining the funding for this role within our department was an essential element in our mission to create a well-rounded, sustainable and adaptable Hospital Optometry Team. Upskilling of Optometrists beyond core roles is increasingly playing an essential role within Ophthalmology services across Wales. Having a pre-registration optometrist train within this environment at the start of their career, enables a smooth transition for their progression to more extended roles and allows us to create a sustainable workforce.”

Claire added: “This position has provided us with the ingredients to create a positive learning culture within our department and wider Ophthalmology services. Emily’s hard work and enthusiasm has highlighted how valuable this role is in creating the specialist workforce of the future and the importance of investing in pre-registration and newly qualified team members.”

In addition to her clinical work, Emily has been instrumental in shaping the future of hospital optometry in Wales. Alongside her manager, she co-founded the Hospital Optometry Wales Group, which facilitates collaboration and knowledge-sharing among Health Boards across the country.

As Emily prepares to complete her qualification later this year, the Health Board plans to build upon the strong foundation she has established. Recruitment for the next Pre-Registration Optometrist is anticipated to begin at the end of the year, with exact dates to be confirmed.

If you are interested in this innovative and impactful role, please contact us by emailing ABB.Enquiries@wales.nhs.uk