Module countdown: 3 months to the next semester!

 

As the new semester draws near, we thought we would remind you which modules start in March 2018. Many are either accredited by the College of Optometrists for Higher Professional Qualifications or linked with LOCSU distance learning.

 

Low vision

 

  • Low Vision 1 – Theory- distance learning only (Professional Certificate in Low Vision)

  • Low Vision 2 – Practical (Professional Certificate in Low Vision)

  • Low Vision 3 –  Advanced (Professional Higher Certificate in low Vision)

 

  

Acute eye care

 

  • Acute Eye Care 1 – distance learning only

  

Study and research skills

 

  • Study and Research Skills 1

 

  

Glaucoma

 

  • Glaucoma 1 (Professional Certificate in Glaucoma)

     

 

Dry eyes and anterior segment

 

  • Management of Tear Film Disorders

  • Cornea and Anterior Segment (distance learning only)

 

  

Primary care

 

  • Primary Care 2 – Practical

 

  

Leadership

 

  • Leadership Skills for Optometrists

     

 

Teaching

 

  • Clinical Teaching, Education and Assessment

 

 

 Paediatrics

 

  • Paediatrics 2 – Practical (Professional Certificate in Paediatrics)  FULL

 

 

 The deadline for applications is 6 February 2018, term starts on 5 March 2018.

 

  

For more information, please visit our website: www.cardiff.ac.uk/optometry-vision-sciences/courses/postgraduate-taught or email PGOptom@cardiff.ac.uk.

   

If you are interested in a module that is full, please get in touch as we are keeping a list of people for next semester/year. In addition, if a place does became available in March 2018 we will email everyone on that list and allocate any extra places on a first come first served basis.

 

Optima Dry Eye Award 2017

 

During 2017 we were delighted to receive sponsorship for an award for one of our PGT modules - Management of Tear Film Disorders (OPT014). With thanks to Module Leader, Heiko Pult, we were able to secure the sponsor, Optima Pharmazeutische GmbH for the Optima Dry Eye Award worth €1,000 to the person who performed the best in two coursework components.

 

Congratulations to Jane Gray who was the winner of the first Optima Dry Eye award. Here she is being presented her certificate by Co-Director of WOPEC, Barbara Ryan. Our thanks to Michael and Stefan Kroll (Optima) who kindly donated the award. We look forward to presenting the prize again next year.

 

jane_and_barbara_optima_award_400

 

Jane said that: 'The tear film module was one of the best modules I have studied. It was academically challenging, particularly the literary review on Meibography. However the case review really enabled me to consider the evidence base for my clinical assessment, thinking and management plan. To receive this award in recognition of work produced was a very pleasant surprise as I had an excellent group of fellow students who made the contact days a great learning environment and fun, supported by excellent tutors. I probably should spend some of the award on my further studies, but feel I should treat my husband Clive who supports me and is understanding of the time spent studying. I would highly recommend this module and it has enhanced my clinical practice in the management of tear film disorders. Many thanks to Heiko, Teifi and Optima for their support and recognition. ' 

 

Jane graduated from Aston University in 1984 and then worked for a number of years in Devon, Dorset and Somerset before relocating to East Yorkshire in 1991, where she has worked within the multiple and independent sector.

 

 Since 2003 Jane has taken an active role within the East Yorkshire LOC as the Clinical Governance lead, providing training for both professional and support staff and as Clinical assessor during GOS contract compliance, also as the Clinical and Performance Lead for the LOC Company. Jane is a trained coach and facilitator, providing the facilitator training for the College of Optometrists and LOCSU ILM Coaching qualification. She has continued her studying by completing the PG Certificate in Eye Care Governance, teaching module and is now studying Public Health. Following her success in the Management of Dry Eye module, she has started studying Glaucoma Level 2.

 

Jane also works at Goole Hospital in the general clinics and has runs a practice in Anlaby. When she has any spare time Jane likes to practice yoga, meditate and listen to music

 

Refraction event - March 2018

 

This comprehensive three day course is specifically designed for those sitting the Royal College of Ophthalmologist’s Refraction Certificate Exam. It develops the knowledge and practical techniques included in the exam’s competencies. The course is open to all levels; from beginners, to those who are more experienced.

The emphasis is on supervised, practical sessions. Delegates will receive instruction in small groups and have the opportunity to practice all aspects of refraction on volunteer patients. There will be a mock OSCE situation which includes ten different stations timed under exam conditions. Feedback is offered on the performances. A refraction routine video is viewed with the opportunity to discuss the techniques observed. Prior to the event, attendees will have on-line access via the WOPEC website, to three lectures on different refraction techniques.

There will be a number of supervisors who will be facilitating the event; all experienced in teaching refraction and comprising of practicing optometrists and optometry academic staff. 

Cardiff University facilities are ideal for this event. Attendees will have access to a fully equipped dispensing workshop and use of the optometry department refraction clinic.

The course runs from 2nd March - 4th March 2018; a total of 2.5 days (Friday 2pm until Sunday 4pm). It will be held three times a year, to correspond with the RCO practical exam dates.

To book onto this course, please visit https://wopec.co.uk/book-event?event_id=805

For further information, please email wopec@cardiff.ac.uk.

 

 

 

EHEW News

 

 

Eye Health Examination Wales (EHEW) training and assessment event occurred in Cardiff on 18 October. 16 practitioners attended and successfully accredited to join this Welsh eye care service. Since the inception of EHEW in 2003 there are now 714 optometrists and OMPs delivering the service across 341 primary care practices. That's a lot of training - well done to all involved!

 

Association of Optometrists Ireland 2017 - 5th November 2017

 

 

WOPEC delivered foreign body removal training at the recent event held in Kilkenny in Ireland. Nik Sheen, who attended, said, ‘The hospitality and warmth from all was fantastic. The practical training really helped the attendees build confidence in this skill and feedback was overwhelmingly positive’. Recent changes in legislation in Ireland opensthe door for optometrists to carry out foreign body removal in practice and WOPEC were glad to help with training.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Optometric Conference (NOC) 2017 - 9th November

 

WOPEC was represented at the recent NOC by Nik Sheen and Sasha Macken who presented a poster detailing the rise in numbers of optometrists who have completed training and assessments through WOPEC and LOCSU. The poster generated a lot interest and showed that over 6000 optometrists had completed MECS online training with WOPEC since 2012, demonstrating the profession’s commitment to continued education. The event was also an opportunity to praise those students who had completed the Leadership PGT module with us and give them their certificates. This year’s successful candidates were: Sharon Beatty, Habiba Bham, Jonathon Drew, Terrance Evans, Simone Mason, Saima Naroo, Richard Rawlinson, Robin Rohu, Mark Simpson and Callum Wogan - well done all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clean records are good records

Just a reminder to keep your email address and GOC registration details up to date especially if you need to upgrade from SO registration