BIOS have today launched a revised Curriculum Framework for Pre-registration Orthoptic Education and Training.
The new framework adds in content covering sustainability, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), quality assurance, and personal health and wellbeing. It has been aligned to Advanced Practice ‘pillars’ – around clinical practice, education, research, and leadership and management. This will allow newly-qualified Orthoptists to see where their knowledge and skills sit, and plan more effectively in shaping their careers.
It was made possible by Health Education England (HEE) funding, as part of the Workforce Development Programme. The document itself is interactive, supported by an infographic showing the domains and sub-domains, enabling readers to better navigate the framework.
“Our graduate workforce across the UK and the Republic of Ireland has a varied, wide ranging knowledge base and skill set across core Orthoptic competencies. The fundamental purpose of this framework is to identify the scope of learning that aligns HCPC Standards of Proficiency and the four pillars of practice, preparing pre-registration Orthoptists for clinical practice. This important update gives Orthoptic managers and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) clear guidance about the level and scope of graduate knowledge, skills and behaviours.
Learners trained according to this framework will produce Orthoptists with a strong foundation in core Orthoptic competencies that continues to reflect service needs. It will prepare them for the pace of change both within the profession and the wider eye care workforce, as well as provide a basis for development of enhanced clinical practice curricula.
We would like to thank everyone who has supported and contributed to the development of this curriculum review and ultimately the growth and progression of our Orthoptic workforce.”
Craig Murray and Veronica Greenwood
BIOS Chair and Former Chair
Curriculum Framework for Pre-registration Orthoptic Education and Training
Download the full Framework here.
Authors:
- Dr Dipesh E Patel
- Karzan Hughes
Contributors: Ashli Warburton; Holly Kniazewycz; Mick Carroll (service user); Ben Robinson and Emma Barber (parents of service user); and the BIOS Education and Professional Development Committee (EPDC).