The University of the Highlands and Islands welcomed Jenni Minto, Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, to UHI House in Inverness on Tuesday 17th of February 2026 to visit its optometry programme.
During the visit, the Minister met senior staff and toured clinical skills and teaching spaces within the optometry department.
She also engaged directly with students and academic staff to learn more about the delivery of training and clinical education.
UHI’s optometry provision focuses strongly on rural and community based education, patient centred care and clinical excellence, supporting the future optometry workforce in Scotland.
Jenni Minto said:
“The University of the Highlands and Islands is playing a leading role in shaping the future of Scotland’s eyecare workforce.
“The new Masters of Optometry with Independent Prescribing course has a strong emphasis on clinical experience and independent prescribing.
“It exemplifies the innovation needed to support more patients being managed closer to home and will particularly benefit our rural and island communities and optometry workforce.
“It is inspiring to see students developing the advanced skills that will help transform how we deliver eyecare services across Scotland.”
Alison MacPherson, Head of Optometry at UHI, said:
“We were delighted to welcome the Minister to UHI and to share how our optometry programmes are helping students build the skills, confidence and clinical expertise they need to serve communities across Scotland.
“This visit this give us a valuable chance to show why investing in education and training that’s rooted in place really matters.”
UHI offers a Masters of Optometry with Independent Prescribing programme that combines classroom teaching, simulation technology and practical clinical experience.
Applications are now open for entry in September 2026.
UHI offer a Masters of Optometry with Independent Prescribing programme which combines teaching, technology, simulation and practice experience to prepare graduates for a career in optometry.
