Ophthalmology or Ophthalmology with Electrophysiology Pathway

The Level 4 Healthcare Science Associate apprenticeship is an ideal way for learners to gain a recognised qualification whilst working within a relevant healthcare science related industry.  

The Ophthalmology pathway is specifically designed to support those learners working within an ophthalmology departments, often within a clinical setting.

The apprenticeship scheme has taught elements that are split between core units where you will join other Level 4 Science Apprenticeship learners from a variety of pathways, this often generates lively debate within class as many share best practice amongst the remote online classroom. In total there are nine core units that cover the fundamental topics you would naturally expect on an apprenticeship course based within healthcare science.

Some of the topics covered include:

• Health and Safety 
• Effective Communication 
• Legal and Ethical Context of Healthcare Science 
• Quality, Audit and Innovation 

As you gain mastery in the core units, learners will then move towards the specialist units that relate more to the department the learner is working in. Part of this provision includes the study of anatomy and physiology delivered via our state-of-the-art training package before learners move on to specialist sessions taught by a qualified industry expert.

Units covered include:

• Ophthalmic Pharmacology 
• Visual Field Assessment 
• Imaging the Posterior Segment of the Eye 
• Measure Visual Acuity 

Optional Unit

The Ophthalmology pathway also has an optional unit that learners can choose to study in addition to the standard pathway.

This optional unit is delivered during a one-day, in-person, practical classroom setting based in London. The session is a unique learning experience and delivered by a qualified industry expert, it covers the following:

• Assisting in the Recording of Visual Evoked Potentials
• Assisting in the Recording of Visual Electrophysiological Investigations

Upon completion of this course, you are likely to be in a Band 4 Associate Practitioner role, or in a position to apply for such role when one becomes available. 

The Level 4 course is also an excellent starting point for applying to continue your studies at level 6, often within a university setting, or seeking a promotion to a Band 5 within your department, if applicable. 

Future roles that could be applied for are within senior positions, management of departments or even within inspectorate services.

Ophthalmic and vision science is a growing area of industry within healthcare as advances in medicine continue to flourish in ophthalmic research and treatment of long-standing vision conditions. A recent change in Government legislation, enforcing drivers over the age of 70 now having to produce proof of an eyesight test within the last 12 months at the point of renewing their driving licence with the DVLA, has seen a recent surge in appointments with healthcare scientists working in ophthalmology. 

This increase in numbers has also seen a rise in the number of early detections of ophthalmic medical conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. The need to increase staff in this clinical setting to consistently provide an essential diagnostic, prognostic and surveillance service both within hospitals as well as in a variety of community settings.

No previous work experience within Ophthalmology or vision science is required however learners will benefit from having a basic understanding of the role.  

The learner should ideally be clinically facing and working directly with patients under supervision.

We operate a remote teaching format where core lessons are delivered once a month, followed by a 4-week period to complete the relevant assignments. 

Learners will build an ongoing portfolio of evidence throughout the duration of the course and are expected to showcase their practical competencies via remote assessment.  

Witness testimonies from peers will ascertain how the learner meets the behaviours expected of an apprentice and continued professional development from within the department logged as off the job training.

The learners are taught by a qualified industry expert at the point they join the specialist units plus a portfolio of evidence really showcases the learner’s working environment and how they play an integral role in a patient’s pathway. 

By delivering the training remotely, learners can work around the constraints of shift patterns within the department and find time to explore the underpinning knowledge of their industry. The optional unit allows leaners to experience something they may not see within their own clinical department and offers a unique learning opportunity to explore the complexities of vision science. 

Ultimately the level 4 course enables the learner to gain confidence, a recognised qualification and the ability to progress within their chosen career.