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 – 2004 2006 – 2009 2010 -2012 2012 -

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?

http://www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/education-and-training/by-discipline/allied-health-professions/career-fellowship-scheme