SpaMedica and Vision Express partner for UK training placement programme

Trainees will see the company’s theatre teams perform procedures including cataract removal and vitreo-retinal surgery. Image credit: ©master1305 – stock.adobe.com

UK-based NHS eye patient servicer SpaMedica has announced a partnership with Vision Express to offer preregistration training placements for 150 aspiring optometrists. Trainees chosen for a placement will be able to shadow SpaMedica’s clinical teams and in-house optometrists as they treat patients with a variety of eye conditions, including cataracts and wet age-related macular degeneration, according to a news release.

“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,” said Tom Critchley, SpaMedica’s principal optometrist, in the release. “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.”

SpaMedica’s pre-reg training programme will be run across its nationwide network of hospitals, with trainees taking part in the cataract pre- and postoperative clinics in addition to medical retina services. Trainees will also see the company’s theatre teams perform procedures including cataract removal and vitreo-retinal surgery. Placements will last for 2 and a half days with the opportunity to attend virtual clinics with patients.

After inspection conducted by the Care Quality Commission, SpaMedica’s hospitals have been rated as “good” or “outstanding,” with 98% of patients who have reviewed the provider on the NHS website has given SpaMedica a 5-star rating.

“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 superivison in both community and hospital settings, meeting many of the competencies outlined in the Scheme for Registration,” said Dan McGhee, director of Professional Services for EssilorLuxottica Optical Retail UK and Ireland / Vision Express UK and Ireland, in the release.

Rafeh Rehman, the first pre-reg optometrist from Vision Express, recalled the welcome he received when he started his hospital placements at SpaMedica Manchester on February 4, 2025. “It was lovely to receive such a warm welcome and I’m looking forward to gaining valuable experience and expanding my skill set,” Rehman said in the release. “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 plans to welcome more pre-reg optometrists in the future.

Reference:

SpaMedica launches pre-reg training program to support future generations of optometrists. News release. SpaMedica. February 11, 2025. Accessed February 12, 2025.