Laser course for ophthalmic healthcare professionals

Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology are delighted to present the Laser course for ophthalmic healthcare professionals, targeted at clinicians involved in glaucoma and cataract care. The course will involve training in three laser procedures, Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), YAG peripheral iridotomy (PI) and YAG capsulotomy. This course is aimed at ophthalmologists, optometrists, ophthalmic nurses, orthoptists or other ophthalmic healthcare professionals.

Delivery will include a blended learning method and will include online didactic lectures and workshops. Lectures will cover basic laser principles, principles of consent, indications for each type of laser, step by step application of each type of laser, post-laser management, complications and short online assessments. It is expected that the lectures will be completed, and assessments passed prior to the face-to-face day. Workshops will be delivered using specialist laser model eyes where delegates will have the opportunity to deliver each laser procedure. Formative assessments which include feedback will be given to you during the workshops and by the end of the session, it is expected that you will be capable of carrying out the procedure in a training setting. At the end of the course, you will obtain a certificate of participation and a competency sign off pack.

Learning objectives

• Understanding risks and benefits: Using roleplay scenarios to explain these to patients.
• Guidance from experts: Insights from experienced consultants and clinicians on optimising laser outcomes.
• Hands-on practice: Using model eyes under direct supervision.
• Discussion of cases: An opportunity for delegates to discuss routine and complex case scenarios they have encountered in their practice.
• Formative assessment: One-on-one assessments with opportunities for further discussion and feedback.

For ophthalmologists:

The practical workshops will offer comprehensive training, using specialist laser model eyes and laser machines. You’ll have the opportunity to deliver three laser procedures: YAG laser capsulotomy, YAG peripheral iridotomy (PI), and selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), all of which, meet the objectives set by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (DOPS SS14 and SS15).

For all other ophthalmic healthcare professionals:

It is expected that you will need in-vivo training to gain competence in all procedures should you wish to practice, and this placement should be arranged and undertaken independently by the delegate. The competency pack includes example work-based assessment templates which can be used to obtain local sign offs as per your organisation’s local protocols during your placement. However, your organisation may want to alter their sign off procedure and you may need to meet local consent requirements and sign off in addition. Moorfields OR UCL will not be responsible for this nor for certification of competence or accreditation.

Entry requirements for optometrists, ophthalmic nurses, orthoptists or other ophthalmic healthcare professionals. (Not required for ophthalmologist).

Delegates must have the following qualifications to be able to register and attend the course.

• Possess a minimum of a BSc in Optometry, Orthoptics or Nursing or equivalent.

AND

• College of Optometrists Glaucoma Higher Certificate OR an equivalent qualification plus experience and certified gonio competency (independently verified by clinical supervisor, who may be contacted (see gonioscopy competency certification).

AND

• Must be or must be working toward becoming an independent prescriber or be able to prescribe as part of a PGD in their Trust (NB clinicians are not advised to perform laser procedures unless they are competent prescribers).

Ideally, applicants should have experience and be working in a glaucoma clinical setting.

Evidence of these qualifications must be sent as part of the registration application.

Nurses would need to be gonioscopy competent (or have a Higher Certificate in Glaucoma) and need Independent Prescribing or a PGD in place with the hospital.

Course tutors

The course tutors include 

• Scott Hau, Consultant Optometrist and Research Optometrist, Moorfields Eye Hospital
• Ali Abbas, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Glaucoma Specialist, Moorfields Eye Hospital.
• Azza Hussein, Specialist Ophthalmologist in Glaucoma, Moorfields Eye Hospital.

Next course date

This next course starts on 14 May 2025. Please email moorfields.hq@nhs.net to book your space. The course will cost £950.

Course supporters

We are grateful for the support of Thea Pharmaceuticals, Altomed and Daybreak Medical in running this course.