LOCSU Leadership Course applications open

LOCSU digital learning support officer, DO Simone Mason

The Local Optical Committee Support Unit (LOCSU) has issued a call for applications for its March 2020 Leadership Skills for Optical Professionals course, for which 10 LOC-funded places are available.

The course is a 20-credit postgraduate module run as part of WOPEC’s MSc programme at Cardiff University, and is open to dispensing opticians who are FBDO qualified (Level 6) – as well as optometrists who are BSc qualified.

The module has produced many successful candidates who are now leading the development of primary eyecare services in primary eyecare companies and LOCs, as LOC officers, as clinical governance and performance leads, as LOCSU optical leads and in Local Eye Health Networks (LEHNs).

This includes a growing number of DOs who have come through the ranks of the leadership module to take up national roles with LOCSU. Dispensing optician graduates include Simone Mason, who is now LOCSU’s digital learning support officer, and Richard Rawlinson who is a LOCSU commissioning lead.

The course is designed to enable the LOC member to become an effective leader at local and national level within the optical sector through the support and development of LOCs and LEHNs, building effective strategic networks, influencing policy makers and enhancing eye health services for patients. It provides an understanding of current leadership models and theoretical approaches, and will give delegates the background knowledge and practical skills that will equip them to provide leadership in the optical sector.

Candidates must include a reference from their LOC and applications close on Monday 6 January 2020. Telephone interviews will be held on either 7 or 8 January 2020.

To download an application form and see the course details with key dates and activities, visit the LOCSU website here or email info@locsu.co.uk