Extended services for contact lens opticians

You need to complete all WOPEC online modules on MECS and GRM including the multiple choice questions. There are 11 modules in total. Upon completion you need to complete an ABDO extended services training day (ESD) followed by WOPEC Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). You are required to complete adult and children safeguarding courses.

To access the online modules, fill in the form below to request an access code. By accepting an access code you will allow your details to be shared between ABDO and WOPEC.

On receipt of the code you can register with WOPEC and start the online modules. Read on to explore the course content.

The accredited CLO will be recognised as a provider of MECS/CUES and will treat dependent on capability and competence, working alongside optometrists as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Triage processes should signpost patients with anterior eye problems to the MECS/CUES accredited CLO, while posterior eye problems should be directed to the optometrist. In some cases there will almost certainly be co-management of patients. Local details of co-working with optometrists and co-management should be sought before seeing patients. This is not for the purpose of providing supervision but for the purpose of comanaging patients in practice.

GRM provides CLOs with the opportunity to undertake IOP measurement as a delegated function. At present this must be done with an optometrist on site due to restrictions around the use of anaesthetic drops.

The ABDO CPD department produces CPD covering pathology and triage scenarios which can maintain and develop knowledge moving forward. Additionally, many Local Optical Committees (LOCs) will provide training when services are commissioned and ongoing.

It is our hope that this will be the case but ABDO cannot guarantee there will be uniform engagement with CCGs. We are working with colleagues in LOCSU and LOCs to ensure that existing contracts can be amended to include accredited contact lens opticians as suitably qualified performers and new contracts will reflect this workforce.

For further information on local arrangements please contact ABDO Clinical Lead Max Halford mhalford@abdo.org.uk

The costs of the online modules are supported by the levy paid from LOCs to LOCSU and administrative and clinical support is provided by ABDO. Previously individuals paid for the ABDO Extended Services webinar and practical day (ESD) including any mandatory lectures and in addition for the WOPEC final OSCEs. However from March 2023 ABDO has secured funding from Health Education England to support 200 CLOs to complete the course if other sources of funding are not available to them- ie LOC support. There will be a small administration charge to members which includes refreshments and lunch at the ESD and general costs incurred running the events, webinar and booking costs and  this is set at £35 payable on booking a place on the ESD.

Cancellations and Resits.

ESD: In event of cancellations of places on the Extended services day without a minimum of 6 weeks notice, it is very likely your funding for the ESD will be lost and you would need to self fund an alternative booking. This is due to us needing to give 6 weeks notice to tutors and the venue management. Please note all modules should be completed prior to attendance at an ESD.

OSCE: In event of cancellation of a place at an OSCE we require a minimum of 4 weeks notice and re-booking fee’s will apply.

Resits: the HEE grant covers attendance at an ESD and one OSCE. If a resit is required then depending on the number of stations to be resat fee’s will apply. If a full resit is required then the present cost (Oct 2023) is £180. Further information will be made available following your OSCE results.

Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII)

ABDO has arranged PII to cover all activity within both pathways. Services must not be undertaken until the OSCE is passed and PII is in place.  Please contact the membership department for further details

An ESD consists of lectures and workshops relating to MECS, CUES and GRM, along with recommended further GRM practice. Some of lectures may be delivered virtually prior to the event.