Building Confidence and Connection in Optometry: Supporting Wales' Growing IP Workforce

Published 12/02/2026

HEIW Optometry’s Independent Prescribing (IP) Support Forum has now supported 13 cohorts and 96 newly qualified IP optometrists, with three groups completing in January and two more in February - marking the programme’s highest demand to date.

The forum plays an important role in Wales’ ongoing transformation of primary eye care, in line with A Healthier Wales and The Future Approach for Optometry Services.

Designed around collaborative, case-based discussion and peer learning, the forum helps practitioners build confidence in real-world prescribing and provide timely, effective care in community settings. This approach supports patient access and helps reduce pressure on hospital clinics.

Data from recent cohorts shows that participants’ prescribing confidence more than doubled during the programme.

Feedback from the latest groups includes:

“These sessions have been an excellent bridge between qualification and real-world clinical application.”

“The group size was ideal, enough viewpoints without feeling self-conscious. If anything, I’m sad it’s over!”

“This course was one of the most informative and helpful CPD I have ever done.”

The programme has supported practitioners since 2023 and continues to evolve in 2026 to strengthen early career pathways within optometry.

Call to action for optometry professionals

If you are a newly qualified independent prescribing optometrist interested in joining our latest, or a future, IP Support Forum cohort - or to learn more about the programme, please contact the HEIW Optometry team - HEIW.Optometry@wales.nhs.uk