Optometry News
Spring 2014
Introducing the NES Optometry Team
Donald Cameron
Programme Director, Optometry
NHS Education for Scotland
Dr Janet Pooley
Programme Director, Optometry
NHS Education for Scotland
Lisa Cowan
Senior Postgraduate Tutor
NHS Education for Scotland
Dr Louise Madden
Senior Postgraduate Tutor
NHS Education for Scotland
Pam McClean
Senior Postgraduate Tutor
NHS Education for Scotland
Kathy Morrison
Senior Postgraduate Tutor
NHS Education for Scotland
Dr Tracey Sahraie
Senior Postgraduate Tutor
NHS Education for Scotland
Steve Whittaker
Clinical Skills Tutor
University of Dundee
Introduction
We are coming to the end of our present programme of courses, and we’ve
been very encouraged by the positive feedback that we’ve received.
However, it’s clear that we are still not making enough places available on our
practical courses and we will endeavour to manage this as we plan the course
programme for next year. Teach and Treat Clinics, On-line learning courses
and the webinars have plenty of capacity so there should still be enough
learning to keep you busy.
Kevin Wallace left the NES Optometry team just before Christmas. He will be
missed by us all, and we wish him well as he increases his workload with the
AOP. We are however delighted to welcome Dr Tracey Sahraie as our new
Tutor based up in Aberdeen. Tracey is a busy Optometrist with a medical
background and she will be invaluable in supporting our more northern
training.
We ran our first webinar in October. For those of you who signed up, I hope
you found it an enjoyable, informative and straight forward way to attend a
CPD course. There are plenty of places left on the follow-up Q&A on 10th
June (see page 6).
Gurmit Uppal ‘s lectures on Vitreous and Retinal detachments are also well
worth a look. He is a Vitreo-Retinal Specialist from Moorfields Eye Hospital,
London, who some of you have heard speak in Dundee. The lectures support
the Peripheral Retina programme that we’ve been running and provide huge
amounts of informative material (see page 7).
The Teach and Treat Clinics also have capacity. I really feel that this is the
best training that we offer. I know it might seem like a daunting and alien
environment, but I can assure you that the non-threatening teaching clinic is
designed to support your learning and to help you provide better care to your
patients. The Consultant Ophthalmologists who work in these clinics are very
experienced at teaching. They can help you with your clinical techniques,
support you when you are making a diagnosis and teach you how to manage
your patients. The clinic is not just for Optometrists who are undertaking their
IP qualification either, so don’t let that put you off.
As always we are very keen to hear your views about the courses that we run
and the programmes that we have on offer. Don’t hesitate to contact any of
us, if you would like to know more, or have ideas or comments about how we
run NES Optometry Training.
Dr Janet Pooley
Optometry Programme Director
Mastering Primary Eyecare
After 2 years of discussion, NES Optometry has now agreed terms and
financial support sufficient to launch this unique distance learning degree for
Optometrists through the University of Edinburgh College of Medicine and
Veterinary Medicine in conjunction with the Royal College of Surgeons of
Edinburgh from September 2014.
The stimulus for the development was to encourage our profession to have a
clearly relevant clinical higher degree which the profession could begin to
consider a “normal” part of professional development. The degree will focus
on three main areas: Glaucoma, Macular Disease and Anterior Eye Disease.
The intention is to give Optometrists a thorough understanding of the thinking
process of ophthalmologists as they manage eye disease, the knowledge
required to live with the uncertainty that is an essential part of clinical
diagnosis and the clinical experience to take this understanding into the
community.
In order to do this there will be innovative on-line content where the relevant
section of a text book/image/video will appear on screen with a click of the
mouse. You will develop a reflective learning portfolio (worth 25% of total
mark) and contribute to discussion forums (worth 25% of total mark) with
Ophthalmology and Optometry moderators where ideas and concerns can be
shared with fellow students and tutors and an exam (worth 50% of the total
mark). This method of assisted study is quite different from any other degree
Optometrists in Scotland will have been exposed to and the interactive nature
of the programme and the new methods of teaching will be exciting in
themselves. The degree is a three year course but that can be extended up to
6 years to allow for “life events” which may affect a mature student population.
The third year of the MSc will involve writing a dissertation on a topic to be
decided during your study years. The significant thing about this course is it
really is developed around the needs of the student rather than those of the
University or Tutors, and the students will determine how successful the
structure is by their enthusiasm for this form of study. The first cohort will
shape the structure for those who follow so I hope you will find the challenge
of being first through the door one to which you will respond positively.
The full cost of the course is about £9,000 but for Optometrists working for the
NHS in Scotland, NES will pay a bursary of 50% for the first 20 successful
applicants in each year. The cost can be spread out over the three years of
the course. From our research so far it seems likely there will be students
from a variety of backgrounds joining the course – GPs, Optometrists from
Europe or developing countries who lack formal qualification and so on all of
which will make this a very interesting group around the discussion boards.
We need people to start expressing interest in the course so if you want
further information go to:
http://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate/degrees?r=site/view&id=862
&cw_xml
Go to the “How to Apply” section and send in a note of your interest to the
email address listed. We look forward to an exciting few years ahead as we
blaze a new trail for optometry in Scotland.
Donald Cameron
NES Programme Director
Hon Clinical Senior Lecturer, University of Edinburgh, College of Medicine
and Veterinary Medicine
NES Optometry Courses
There are still a few places available for the following NES Optometry
courses:
FOR OPTOMETRISTS

Neuro Day Webinar
These lectures looking in detail at all aspects of neurology that are
relevant to community practice.
23 March: online webinar via NES Portal

Virtual Binocular Indirect Ophthalmoscope Sessions
You now have an opportunity to see exactly how much retina you have
examined with the only EyeSi Indirect Ophthalmoscope Simulator in
the UK. These simulator sessions allow optometrists to enhance their
retinal knowledge.
27 March: West of Scotland Optometry Teach and Treat Clinic at
Stobhill Hospital Glasgow

Peer Discussion for Optometrists
The feedback from our Peer Discussion groups has been really positive
and Optometrists have been finding them a great way to learn.
30 April: Inverness

Binocular Vision Q&A webinar
This webinar will follow up on any questions after the Binocular Vision
workshops about patients seen in practice and how they can be
managed. You don’t need to have been on any of the workshops to
participate, but do log-on with questions and queries for our Orthoptist
to answer.
10 June: online webinar via NES Portal
Full details and booking on Portal: (see back page for full details)
FOR ALL STAFF IN YOUR PRACTICE

First Aid Courses – Open to all staff in your Practice
A one day first aid course covering situations likely to be encountered
in Optometric Practice. This is an HSE approved “Emergency First Aid
at Work” course.
7 May:
Kingsknowes Hotel, Selkirk Road, Galashiels.
13 May:
Stirling Management Centre, University of Stirling
15 May:
Aston Hotel, The Crichton, Bankend Road, Dumfries
Full details and bookings direct to St Andrew’s First Aid - Amy Jardine
(0141 332 4031 ext 253)
A New Opportunity for Learning
As part of our Peripheral Retina Programme, we are now offering a short
online learning course. “Vitreous and Retina detachment” by Gurmit Uppal
(Vitreo-retinal surgeon, Moorfields Eye Hospital) can now be viewed on the
Portal.
These videos are accompanied by a set of multiple-choice questions
(MCQ) worth 1 non-interactive CET point.
These videos and MCQs can be accessed by logging onto the NES
portal https://www.portal.scot.nhs.uk/ and clicking on ‘eLearning’ then
‘Optometry’ in the eLearning catalogue*.
What’s Coming Up
Summer Programme of Webinars - We are lining up an exciting and varied
programme of webinars over the summer. These evening courses will allow
you to access training from wherever you are in the world!! The course
brochure will be out later in the Spring.

New Course Programme 14/15
Bookings open on Thursday, August 28th

NES Annual Conference
Sunday, October 26th in Glasgow
Independent Prescribers Conference 2014
In light of the success of the inaugural event in 2013, NES Optometry will
once again host a specialist IP CET conference on Sunday 1st June 2014.
The day will focus on therapeutics and independent prescribing for
Optometrists. Peter Frampton, an IP Optometrist base in Northumberland, will
lead a session targeted at advanced independent prescribing and the
challenges and pitfalls faced in optometric practice.
Input from Ophthalmology will also strengthen knowledge. We are delighted
to announce Dr David Lockington, Consultant Ophthalmologist in NHS GG&C
and the NES Teach and Treat facility at Stobhill Hospital will discuss the use
of steroids in optometric practice.
There have been a number of developments in independent prescribing for
optometrists in Scotland in the past year, not least the introduction of
prescription pads. With over 90 IP optometrists in Scotland now registered
with the GOC as IP qualified, Frank Munro, Optometry Scotland and NES
Advisory Comittee Chair, will present an update on developments and will
discuss future direction.
Following feedback from last year, there will be a number of interactive
elements included in this years program including an Ophthalmology-led
interactive quiz, visual recognition posters and an afternoon peer review
session to allow practitioners to discuss difficult cases.
A total of 7 Therapeutic CET points are available, with all 9 IP
competencies covered.
The day will be held in Stirling Management Centre, located right at the very
‘heart of Scotland’; equidistant from Glasgow and Edinburgh and within the
gaze of the historic Wallace Monument.
This event is sure to be popular so to ensure you don’t miss out please log on
to www.portal.scot.nhs.uk and book using code 01-03-06-028206 or search
‘Independent Prescribers Conference 2014’.
Learning Outcomes:
1
Understands the role of ocular therapeutics in daily practice
2
Peer review of therapeutic based cases
3
Understands own level of competence and when referral is required
4
Understands differential diagnosis and management of anterior segment
ocular conditions, when to monitor, manage and refer.
Sunday 1st June
10-4pm
Stirling Management Centre
7 Therapeutic CET points available
09.30-10.00
Registration and Coffee
10.00-10.50
‘Advanced Prescribing for Optometrists’ (1 CET
point)
Peter Frampton, IP Optometrist, Northumberland
10.55-11.25
‘IP Optometrists in Scotland: An Update’
Frank Munro, Optometry Scotland and NES Advisory
Group Chair
11.30-12.30
‘The Use of Steroids in Optometric Practice’ (1 CET
point)
Dr David Lockington, Consultant Ophthalmologist,
GG&C
12.40-13.25
Lunch
13.30-14.30
IP Interactive Quiz (1 CET point)
Dr David Lockington, Consultant Ophthalmologist,
GG&C
14.30-16.00
IP Peer review (3 CET points)
16.00
Close
** 1 bonus CET point available through Visual Recognition and Interpretation
of Clinical Signs (VRICS) posters available throughout the venue.
*** All 9 IP competencies covered including ‘Knowledge’, ‘Self and Others’,
‘Safe’, ‘Information’, ‘Options’, ‘Shared Decision Making’, ‘Professional’,
‘Always Improving’ and ‘Healthcare System’
Teach and Treat
If you haven’t attended a Teach and Treat Clinic yet, then you need to get
yourself organised and book some sessions. There is no training like this for
Optometrists anywhere else in the world!
The clinics are free to attend and there will be a Consultant Ophthalmologist
there to supervise and teach you to develop your skills, improve your
knowledge and help you to provide better care for your patients.
Deirdre Galvin has been attending our clinic in Stobhill Hospital. Known as
the WOScOTT clinic (West of Scotland Optometry Teach and Treat Clinic),
the state of the art facility is a quiet, relaxed and well equipped clinic in which
to learn. Deirdre has been a community Optometrist for 21 years at Forde
Opticians in Govan and Linwood.
“May 4th 2013 was a new experience for me – I stepped right out of my
comfort zone! Embracing life-long learning, I attended the WOSCOTT clinic
as part of my clinical experience for the Independent Prescribing Course.
It was the first time I had worked in a clinical environment like this; it was
exciting but also a bit daunting to find myself working with some of the finest
ophthalmologists in Scotland. I needn’t have worried; from the reception staff
to the nurses and Ophthalmologists they couldn’t have been more helpful and
supportive. It has been a very rewarding experience both on a personal level,
but also professionally because the new skills I learned have all been
immediately transferrable into my test room.“
“The main difference from practice was that almost all patients required
treatments – this was a very intense experience for an optometrist used to the
daily routine but it was ultimately very rewarding. It has improved my skills
which is now benefiting the patients I treat on a daily basis.
I would strongly encourage optometrists to make the time to attend this
training. I met a lot of new and old acquaintances. There have been a lot of
impromptu peer review sessions, and for a technophobe like me it was really
exciting to be using the very latest technology. I am more confident in treating
my patients and more confident that my referrals are appropriate. I am a
better Optometrist because of the Teach and Treat Clinic. Our working
environment is constantly changing but this initiative is the perfect opportunity
for optometrists to lead this change rather than reacting to it. Most of all it
was fun!”
Deirdre Galvin
Community Optometrist, Forde Opticians in Govan and Linwood
Portal
Book via NES Portal:
www.portal.scot.nhs.uk
Portal is the NES online course booking system, allowing you to search for,
select and book our NES Optometry courses. The system is supported by
email, SMS and MMS technologies so that you get reminders about your
course booking. Our new WebApp means that you can now book up via your
iPhone or iPad. It is designed to work on all mobile platforms and a guide to
using it can be found here:
https://www.portal.scot.nhs.uk/itunes/help/WebAppv1.pdf
The Portal allows you to track and manage your training personally and to run
a report that will list your training record and course certificates. It also allows
us to evaluate our courses via online questionnaires so that we can
continually improve the training we are offering in the light of your feedback. If
you have any queries about the booking system, then please do not hesitate
to get in contact. We’d be delighted to hear your views and to help you get
started.
To access Portal, go to:
www.portal.scot.nhs.uk
For more information, including details of our other Optometry courses
running across Scotland, feedback or comments please contact us:
Donald Cameron
Programme Director
0131 656 3223
donald.cameron-opt@nes.scot.nhs.uk
Dr Janet Pooley
Programme Director
0131 656 3226
janet.pooley@nes.scot.nhs.uk
Katie McCafferty
Administrator for Optometry Programme
0131 656 3224
optometry@nes.scot.nhs.uk
NHS Education for Scotland
Westport 102
West Port
Edinburgh
EH3 9DN
www.nes.scot.nhs.uk