Information for Orthoptics Students
Due to the exceptional and uncertain situation students are currently facing, BIOS have been working with Universities to ensure we are able to provide up to date information and minimise the impact on your learning. We will therefore keep this page up to date with the latest information.
Statement from University Orthoptic Departments
Joint statement from the programme leaders at Glasgow Caledonian University, the University of Liverpool and the University of Sheffield:
“Due to COVID-19 all Orthoptic clinical placements were suspended in March 2020. Due to the deployment of clinical staff to deal with the pandemic and potential continuation of social distancing measures, it may not be possible for clinical placements to be available for the first academic semester of 2020-21. It is not possible to achieve the majority of learning outcomes in a more generalised setting external to eye departments.
The three universities alongside clinical tutors will develop resources which can be shared and will provide a suitable alternative to placement during this time. This will enable students to achieve the necessary learning outcomes and standards of proficiency via alternative means and aims to avoid the need to extend programmes.”
Statement from HCPC, Chief AHPs Officers and Council of Deans of Health
The HCPC, the Chief Alllied Health Professions Officers of the four nations, and the Council of Deans of Health have published a statement outlining how AHP students will be supported to respond to COVID-19, which can be read here.
Further information
Health Education England have all of their published advice for students during the current pandemic, available here.
If you are a final year student, working for the NHS after inclusion on the HCPC’s temporary register. you can get six months temporary membership of BIOS, with all the benefits of full membership, for £100. Apply here.