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 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 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.

 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

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).

• 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.

Course Fee

£ 2500.00 (includes teaching, course materials and workshops)

Next course date

The date of the next practical skills day is on Wednesday 20th September 2023. Please note that this is now fully booked so please email moorfields.hq@nhs.net if you would like to register your interest for the next course planned for 2024.