AHP Careers Fellowship: Orthoptics Fellow August 2012 – November 2013 Rachel McKay

What is the AHP Careers Fellowship Scheme? Launched in 2010 Funded by NES provides financial support for AHP’s undertaking learning opportunities to enhance the contribution that they make to the patients/service users and families who rely on AHP services Application process

Plain Sailing? 1992 – –

Purpose of Orthoptic Fellowship: To support the recently established HCPC approved Orthoptics Pre Registration degree programme at GCU

Learning Outcomes:  Participate in developing the new programme  Set up placement opportunities  Develop skills in learning, teaching and assessment  Opportunities to further extend knowledge of research and clinical speciality  Develop knowledge of Inter-professional learning  Develop research skills

Benefits to NHS GG&C include:  Employee with advanced skills  Ability to utilise teaching skills with a wide range of clinicians in the hospital  Mentoring other staff and facilitate learning of other employees  Enhanced competence and capability in research

Activities to date: Teaching Lecturer on Orthoptic programme Lecturer on other Vision Science programmes – Optometry and Ophthalmic Dispensing Lecturer and class tutor on IPE module – FOP Clinical Supervisor in GCU Eye Clinic Facilitator on AHP PE Course Non-Teaching Student induction GCU Open Day Contributing and designing course documentation PPA for Orthoptics & AHP PE Rep Organising daily and block clinical placement opportunities for orthoptic students Contribute to programme boards Write exam papers Raise awareness of AHP Careers Fellowship programme Professional Body representative on the NES project to gain consensus on AHP- wide descriptors of placements using the Delphi technique. Undertake a PGC in Higher Education (leading to recognition as a Fellow of Higher Education Institute)

What next? professions/career-fellowship-scheme