Strengthening Connections: National Engagement Events Shape the Future of Optometry in Wales

Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) Optometry is pleased to be part of the Shaping the Future of Optometry: Welsh Government & NHS Wales Engagement Events 2026 - a series of national events bringing together optometry professionals, system leaders and partners from across Wales.

Building on our continued collaboration with strategic health boards, Welsh Government and professional partners, HEIW will once again present alongside colleagues to support discussions on policy, workforce planning and service development across the optometric sector.

These engagement events aim to strengthen connections across the system, ensuring Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians have access to up-to-date information, national guidance and opportunities to contribute to the future shape of eyecare services in Wales. ‑to‑date information, national guidance and opportunities to contribute to the future shape of eye‑care services in Wales.

What participants can expect

Attendees will benefit from:

• Clear updates on how Welsh Government policy, NHS Wales service developments and pathway changes influence practice, and how multidisciplinary working supports safe and consistent patient care.
• Insight into current and planned optometry pathways, referral frameworks and national expectations designed to help practitioners maintain high-quality, patient centred services. ‑centred services.
• Opportunities to engage with system leaders, clarify expectations and raise local or service specific issues. ‑specific issues.
• Space to reflect on learning, take part in professional discussions and keep pace with the evolving demands of optometric practice in Wales.
• In person sessions that include dedicated time for open discussion and Q&A. ‑person sessions that include dedicated time for open discussion and Q&A.

Event details and booking

Sessions will be held in locations across Wales.
Full event dates and booking information are available on Optometry Wales website.