The BIOS Professional Development Framework is a new resource developed by the orthoptic workforce, for the orthoptic workforce. This framework has been designed to define the key professional topics relevant across all orthoptic roles and provide a shared language to support and guide your development throughout your professional journey.
At its core, the framework introduces a set of common principles – including domains, levels of practice, and spheres of influence – to help you map your current role, aspirations, and career pathway. Whether you’re a pre-registration learner, support worker, or an experienced clinician, educator, or researcher, the framework aims to support structured reflection and meaningful development planning.
As part of the document, a self-assessment table is included to help you map your current skills and experience against the framework’s structure, offering a valuable starting point for conversations with line managers, mentors, or appraisers.
Coming Soon: Interactive Self-Assessment Tool
To complement the framework, BIOS is developing a new online self-assessment tool, designed to automate the self-assessment process and make it easier for members to reflect on their development. This resource will be available exclusively to BIOS members via the BIOS website.
The tool will bring the framework to life by enabling you to:
- Answer questions aligned with each topic area
- Score yourself on how frequently you apply each skill and your level of expertise
- View your results in a scatter graph, showing whether you are currently operating as a Novice or Expert, and aligns more with a Generalist or Specialist profile
This visual tool will provide a detailed breakdown by topic, helping you identify key areas for growth and prioritise your continuing professional development. Whether you’re preparing for an appraisal, planning your CPD, or reflecting on your overall progression, this tool will offer practical support at every stage of your career.
Get Involved
We’re currently looking for individuals across a range of orthoptic roles to help us trial the tool as we refine its development. If you’d be interested in contributing to this exciting project and sharing your professional development journey as a case study, please contact [email protected]