31 July 2020

FODO Scotland update

In today's update:

1. Level 7 Optical Practice Support Apprenticeship - Urgent message from Hal Rollason
2. Reminder - GOS mandatory training for optometrists/OMPs in Scotland

1. Level 7 Optical Practice Support Apprenticeship - Urgent message from Hal Rollason

Dear FODO Scotland members

Urgent - Request for moral support for Level 7 Optical Practice Support Apprenticeship

As you know, in response to an industry-wide request, a Level 5 certificate in Optical Practice Support was developed in 2018/19 and is now being delivered by Rewards Training. The certificate has a Modern Apprenticeship framework associated with it, and grants are available for new and current staff members.

We now have the approval to develop a Level 7 certificate. Although early work has started, it will probably be about two years from now before Level 7 can be delivered.

Previously there was strong support among employers for developing a Level 7 as this would provide another tier for staff development. It might also be more suitable than Level 5 for some staff members on the grounds of their previous experience.

To proceed, I am now asking you to confirm in a ‘note of interest' your company support for the project and whether it will be of equal or greater interest to you than the current Level 5.

I know these are challenging times to gauge future training needs, but we would welcome your help. If we do not show enthusiasm at this stage, we may lose the opportunity altogether.

Apologies for the very tight turnaround but, if you could let me have feedback via [email protected] by 5 August 2020, it would be much appreciated. 

Kind regards 
Hal Rollason   

2. Reminder - GOS mandatory training for optometrists/OMPs in Scotland

Regulations require all optometrists and ophthalmic medical practitioners working under GOS in Scotland to undertake annual mandatory training, provided by NES. (The National Health Service (General Ophthalmic Services) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2018)

In 2020, the mandatory training has been an online TURAS Learn module ‘Introduction to Consent and Capacity in Optometric Practice in Scotland'.

Access the module. 

The deadline for completion is 3 November 2020.