LOCSU/ WOPEC Training and Accreditation

LOCSU/ WOPEC training courses are available for Glaucoma, Cataract, PEARS and Low Vision to support the implementation of LOCSU enhanced service pathways. LOCSU has funded these training packages for any optometrist in England and Wales whose LOC or ROC contributes the LOCSU levy.

An LOC/ ROC who has optometrists wishing to undertake any of these courses should contact Jacque Hudson (JacqueHudson@locsu.co.uk) to request the access codes.

Practitioners wishing to do a course should contact their LOC/ ROC for the relevant access code. These codes can be entered into the 'PROMO CODE' section of the top right hand corner of the WOPEC website. CDs will then automatically be sent to them. A separate code is needed for each course. If you are unsure about the LOCSU levy or how to contact your LOC or ROC, please contact Jacque Hudson(JacqueHudson@locsu.co.uk) stating the area you work in.

Glaucoma

A training and accreditation programme to support the LOCSU Level 1 a&b (IOP and Visual Field Refinement) and Level 2 (OHT Monitoring) enhanced service pathways. The package consists of distance learning lectures on CD Rom, and a short video. The distance learning lectures and MCQs are worth 8 CET points.

A template for a practical skills assessment has been designed to complement the distance learning. The assessments can be organised locally, and a number of Lead Optometric Assessors from across England and Wales have been trained by WOPEC to facilitate these assessments. For information about organising a practical skills assessment please contact WOPEC.

Cataract

A training programme to support the LOCSU Cataract Services Pathway. The package consists of distance learning lectures and a short video on CD Rom. The distance learning lectures and MCQs are worth 8 CET points.

PEARS

A training programme based on training already provided for optometrists in Wales. The package comprises seven lectures and associated questions on CD Rom and is worth a total of 14 CET points. The lectures concentrate on the common eye conditions that present to optometrists providing PEARS and they use a symptoms, signs and management approach to each eye condition.

LOCSU and WOPEC will work with Local and Regional Optical Committees who have negotiated the commissioning of a PEARS enhanced service, sometimes known as General Referral Refinement, to set up the practical skills assessments that optometrists are required to undertake for accreditation following the successful completion of the distance learning.

Low Vision

 This course involves distance learning lectures video recorded on CD-rom. It provides theoretical training in low vision practice. The theoretical training is worth 22 CET points. It is recommended that practitioners also do some practical training. WOPEC can work with LOCs to provide the practical training element.