Action 13E Optometry contract reform training programme
Summary |
Train optometry staff to support the new contract, including Making Every Contact Count, quality improvement, and infection control. |
Description |
The new Primary Care Optometry Contract in Wales focuses on preventing sight loss and helping people live healthier lives. One big change is that optometrists must now ask every patient, “Do you smoke?” In 2023/24, over 3,300 optometrists, dispensing opticians, and practice staff completed MECC (Making Every Contact Count) Level 1 training online. In 2024/25, HEIW and partners worked to make optometry a stronger part of prevention in healthcare. This included offering MECC Level 2 training to staff in Cwm Taf Morgannwg (CTMUHB) and Aneurin Bevan (ABUHB) health boards. |
Benefits |
MECC training helps staff talk to patients about healthy changes during everyday appointments. It teaches good communication and behaviour change skills. This helps reduce long-term illness and improves public health. After MECC Level 2 training, CTMUHB and ABUHB made 66% of all referrals to “Help Me Quit” from optometry practices in Wales. ABUHB alone saw a 150% increase in referrals within six months. Although the contract change focuses on smoking, MECC Level 2 also helps staff feel more confident talking about other health topics like weight. One retail manager said, “We even had a discussion about weight with one patient,” showing how staff are using their training to go beyond the basics. |
Progress so far |
Over the past year, MECC training in optometry was reviewed, along with prevention training in other health areas. The review found gaps in training and resources. It also showed that support staff can play a big role in prevention, especially when optometrists are busy. MECC Level 2 training boosted staff confidence by 83% in having health conversations with patients. All optometrists must now ask prevention questions and complete MECC Level 1 training. But this alone doesn’t lead to many referrals. Areas with extra support and structured training made far more referrals than those using only the online course. This shows the need for stronger leadership and a consistent approach across Wales. |
Next steps |
To make the most of these opportunities, it’s important to involve all practice staff—not just optometrists—in prevention work. Right now, MECC Level 2 is only available in person, which makes it harder for rural practices to take part. An online version is being developed and should be ready by September 2025. This will help more practices across Wales take part and support better health for everyone. The team are going to appoint a new Clinical Lead to roll out this great work across all the other Health Boards in Wales. |
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