Bristol Ophthalmic Nursing Course
Who is it for?
This curriculum is designed for registered nurses, theatre
practitioners and other registered professionals who work in the
dedicated field of eye care and are pursuing academic and technical
competence in their elected field of specialism. The objective of
the course is to equip ophthalmic professionals with outstanding
clinical knowledge, skills, interventions and attitudes that are
indispensable in the assessment, examination and treatment of
patients with eye problems. In addition, this course will fortify
and evidence-base their clinical practice for their role in direct
patient/client care. The learning outcomes below are in line with
the current Common Clinical Competency Framework for Non-Medical
Ophthalmic Healthcare Professionals in Secondary Care.
This course is particularly relevant for trained health
professionals in South West England and South Wales, who envision
their medium or long-term future within ophthalmology. It is a
20-week short course that aims to help prepare an eye specialist,
patient-focused workforce that will expedite the update and
transformation of health and social care provision, whether in the
outpatient, ward, theatre, A&E or community settings.
The course organisers understand that ophthalmic nursing and
allied professional care continue to expand and develop. In order
to meet the needs of patients and their carers, policymakers and
public perceptions, ophthalmic nursing care has had to transform
itself to tackle the challenges of evolving health care demands.
The profession is now faced with expectations to maximise capacity,
rapidly embrace new technology and treatments, and utilise
ophthalmic specialist skills in more ground-breaking and
imaginative working routines whilst also providing value for
money.
The course consists of two modules: (1) Ophthalmic Theory and
(2) Ophthalmic Practice. The Bristol Ophthalmic Nursing Course
prides itself on the wealth of resource persons, facilities and
services that it engages. Over nearly three months, the
once-a-week-in-campus sessions consist primarily of lecture
presentations by highly qualified speakers (mostly Bristol Eye
Hospital consultants, senior nursing, allied and diagnostics staff
who are top specialists or subspecialists in their own right).
Interspersed as part of the learning process are student-led
work-based learning discussions, formative MCQs, practical
sessions, clinical care studies, personal tutorials and
library/research days. Students are required to attend placements
in various ophthalmic areas (ophthalmic outpatient clinics, pre-op
& diagnostics, ward, A&E and theatre departments, and if
possible, eye bank) over a 6-week period as a supernumerary member.
During this time, students must take advantage of all opportunities
to learn and achieve necessary skills that are relevant in their
clinical practice.
Candidates require a minimum of one year relevant ophthalmic
experience to attend this course. Module 1) Ophthalmic Theory will
be assessed through written examination (weighting 50% total
course). Module 2) Ophthalmic Practice will be divided into two
components. Component A) aims to develop and produce a PowerPoint
Presentation that assists in answering a clinical question in
relation to an area of ophthalmic practice and reflects the
learning outcomes of this module (weighting 25% total course).
Component B) will be assessed through four 500-word reflective
accounts and completion of Placements.
The pass mark for these modules is 50%.
Learning Outcomes
Module 1
Students who successfully complete this module will…
Knowledge & Understanding
- Recognise normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology of the
eye
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of ophthalmic
conditions and their management
- Establish a critical understanding of ophthalmic
pharmacology
- Understand safe practice in relation to clinical applications
and procedures (i.e. laser)
Cognitive/Intellectual Skills
- Demonstrate ability to critically analyse ophthalmic scenarios
and make appropriate judgments
- Evaluate the appropriateness of intervention based on
individual patient needs
Module 2
Students who successfully complete this module will…
Knowledge & Understanding
- Apply ophthalmic theory to diverse practice settings
- Demonstrate cultural sensitivity when providing holistic
care
Professional and Practical Skills
- Perform the role in accordance with NMC standards
- Care and management of the ophthalmic patient across the
lifespan in different settings
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role and responsibilities
of the nurse in ophthalmic settings
- Demonstrate effective multi-disciplinary team working
- Effectively communicate with visually impaired patients and
their families throughout the treatment process
- Be able to prioritise patient flows and recognise changes in
clinical presentations
Transferable Skills
- Be an advocate for patient empowerment and ocular health
promotion
Key Information
- Start Date: March and September each year
- Duration: 20 weeks (Portfolio submission: 4 weeks after
completion of placements)
- Fees: £1,000 for two modules (non-accredited)
- Application Period: Until the end of May for September
start
- Until the end of November for March start
For further information, please email Ines.Esteves@uhbw.nhs.uk or call
0117 342 4795.
