What consideration has the Welsh Government given to the introduction of a bursary scheme for optometry students?
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care | Answered on 03/09/2025
The NHS Wales Bursary scheme only funds courses that are directly commissioned by Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) to meet workforce needs.
At present, optometry students are not eligible for the NHS Wales Bursary scheme because optometry is not one of the healthcare courses commissioned by NHS Wales under the scheme.
To help us understand the incentives and conditions needed to continue to attract students to study and work in Wales beyond graduation, we will be holding a consultation about the NHS Wales Bursary.