Perceived eye care risk and safety issues identified by optometrists in Scotland: a focus group study

Introduction Evidence on the nature and scale of risk and safety concerns in optometry practice is very limited, especially compared with other primary care professions. In Scotland, many changes occurred in the profession during and because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The theme of risk and patient safety was, therefore, chosen as the priority focus for the 2022 mandatory national training programme, which optometrists providing General Ophthalmic Services in Scotland are required to undertake. Aim To explore and identify perceived current and future safety risks and how these might be mitigated in relation to professional optometry practice in Scotland. Methods Study participants were all registered General Optical Council members from nine of the 14 regional health boards in Scotland. Data were collected via three online focus groups over a 2-month period during 2021 with each comprising six to eight participants. Data were transcribed with permission and then subjected to a basic thematic analysis. Results 16 optometrists participated in the study. Six principal themes were generated from the data analysis: (1) current overview and context (eg, perceived increased risk); (2) competency risks (eg, skills and knowledge to manage disease); (3) conduct risks (eg, behaviours of practitioners); (4) contextual risks (eg, environmental issues); (5) future risks (eg, technology) and (6) risk mitigations (eg, education and training). Conclusions Optometrists participating in this study expressed concerns that the level of perceived clinical risk in the Optometry profession is increasing, mainly related to technology, scope of practice, role development and changes in consumer demand. Multiple recommendations are made to minimise reported risks including education for new roles; increased focus on improving care quality; support to those involved in safety incidents and complaints; taking a systems approach to areas of high risk and sharing good practices.