The Ophthalmic Common Clinical Competency Framework (OCCCF) set out standards for a systematic patient-centred approach to multi-disciplinary education and training, ensuring standardised and recognised competences across ophthalmic secondary care locations in the UK.
The Framework has since been developed into a curriculum, covering four clinical areas: cataract, glaucoma, medical retina and acute & emergency eye care. The four component curricula ensure that each member of the non-medical eye healthcare workforce is appropriately trained for their role in patient care and is working to a nationally recognised skill set.
In this collaborative project, The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth), the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), the College of Optometrists (CoO), the British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS), and the Association of Health Professions in Ophthalmology (AHPO) have worked together to develop collaborative curricula, funded by Health Education England (HEE).
These curricula and supporting documentation are now available on the HEE website.
With a predicted increase in demand for hospital eye services of 40% over the next 20 years, it is vital that an effective workforce is in place to meet the demand. These curricula will ensure the entire multi-disciplinary ophthalmic team is trained to a consistently high standard that patients and other professionals recognise.
Many trusts will already be operating local initiatives and have training in place to upskill their multi-disciplinary ophthalmic team, allowing for career progression and ensuring high quality patient care. The four OCCCF curricula will empower managers and teams to ensure any training and professional development is adequately measured and evidenced.
Many thanks to all contributors, stakeholders and multi-disciplinary professionals involved in developing the curriculum.