Optometry NI
Promoting proactive eyecare for all.
ONI is the representative body for all optometrists and dispensing opticians in Northern Ireland. We work with the NI Department of Health and the government to improve and raise awareness of eyecare standards.
Optometry NI
Membership benefits
Find out how your practice will benefit from membership.
Constitution
Read the Optometry NI Constitution.
Find out more >
Upcoming Events
View our upcoming events & conferences.
Optometry NI Council
Meet your executive council representatives.
Our Mission
We want to raise awareness about proactive eyecare by engaging with all stakeholders to reduce avoidable blindness.
Optometry Northern Ireland was established from the Negotiating committee for Northern Ireland and has representation from the main associations for optometrists and dispensing opticians in N.I.
The reason for our formation was to present a united voice to the Northern Ireland Department of Health, politicians, media and others.
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Optometry Northern Ireland
Optometry Northern Ireland co-ordinates, channels and represents the views and interests of Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians as providers of eye care in Northern Ireland to all stakeholders, including the Department of Health and Social Services.
** For sharing with optometrists in practice who wish to undertake the MECS (1&2) training to become accredited for NI PEARS provision**![]()
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The 2024 HSC-funded MECS training program delivered by Ulster University Optometry Department is due to commence on Monday 18th November 2024. For any optometrist working in practice (full time, part time or locum) who has not completed one, or both, elements of the MECS training there is now an opportunity to access it. Optometrists may wish to avail of this opportunity as this training is arranged and funded on an annual basis and will therefore not be made available again for further 12 months.![]()
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The training and accreditation process consists of:![]()
MECS 1 – a series of 6 online distance learning modules with MCQs. Each module takes approximately 1 hour to complete. The modules must all be completed and passed to attain MECS 1 and enable you to move onto the next stage.![]()
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MECS 2 – practical OSCE style assessments to include assessment of binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy technique. This assessment will take place at the Optometry Dept at Ulster University, Coleraine campus and will take a half day.![]()
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NIPEARS enrolment - following successful completion of MECS 1 and 2 you will be required to attend an online enrolment session with one of the HSC optometric advisers when the requirements and protocols for providing NIPEARS will be outlined. This will be held by video call on Microsoft Teams within 2-3 weeks of your completion of the MECS program and lasts approximately 1 hour.![]()
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This 2024 MECS training program is funded by the Department of Health and provided by the Ulster University.![]()
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If any GOS registered optometrist (who does not currently have the MECS training/qualification) would like to undertake the training program please complete the application form hosted at the following link and submit it directly to the Ulster University, via email to kmm.breslin@ulster.ac.uk by 5pm on Monday 11th November 2024 to secure a place. Please note applications cannot be accepted after this date and opportunity to avail of the HSC-funded MECS training will not arise for a further 12 months.![]()
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Link to Application Form for the 2024 HSC-funded Ulster University MECS Training: bso.hscni.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Ulster-University-Enrolment-form-MECS-2024.docx![]()
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If an optometrist has already completed MECS 1, the distance learning course, they may apply to take just MECS 2, the practical OSCE assessment and this option is noted on the application form. Please note that evidence of having successfully completed the MECS 1 module will be required to be submitted with the application.![]()
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Once registered, the optometrist will be contacted by the University in November with further information including instructions for accessing the distance learning modules and confirmation of the date of the assessment.
bso.hscni.net
www.facebook.com/share/p/mmrNvpkuLXb9Q86j/?mibextid=WC7FNe![]()
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Could you share on our page. Thanks.Hazel Thompson from Ballybogey went for her regular eye test and found out the pressure behind her eyes was too high and she had to go for further investigations and later had surgery and two rounds of laser treatment. ![]()
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Without attending her regular eye test, Hazel could have lost her sight. ![]()
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A routine eye examination can often pick up the first signs of a sight loss condition even before there are any symptoms. Remember to book yours and to find out more about how to look after your eyes, visit www.pha.site/LookAfterYourEyes![]()
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#NationalEyeHealthWeek #EyeCareWeCare![]()
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Optometry Northern Ireland ![]()
RNIB Northern Ireland
www.facebook.com/share/BcZu1RGHiTG64Vtv/?mibextid=WC7FNeThis National Eye Health Week, we’re reminding people to look after their eyes throughout all stages of life. ![]()
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For more information, visit www.pha.site/NHEW24![]()
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#NationalEyeHealthWeek #EyeCareWeCare![]()
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RNIB Northern Ireland Optometry Northern Ireland
This is a link to animations from FODO ![]()
which practices may like to use and share 🤓 ![]()
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Eye care services – Northern Ireland
emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com
To any Optometry practices affected by the recent flooding. If you need any hands on help or advice, feel free to post on here for some support.
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