Course overview
RNIB's Eye Clinic Support Studies course, accredited by City University London, will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure the provision of a high level of support for people in an eye clinic with visual impairment, or who have been diagnosed with a sight threatening eye condition.
This training course will enable you to provide that vital link for visually impaired patients between the hospital eye clinic and other services both nationally and locally.
The course has been designed for all those supporting individuals recently diagnosed as blind or partially sight in eye clinics e.g. ECLO's (Eye Clinic Liaison Officers), nurses, voluntary agency staff, rehabilitation workers, social workers, and community care workers.
The course is the only accredited training designed for eye clinic support staff working in an eye clinic with people who have been diagnosed with a sight threatening condition.
What does the course cover?
The four day programme covers the following key areas:
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The Eye Care Journey
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The Role of the Eye Clinic Liaison Officer
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Additional Disabilities
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Measurement of Sight
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Diseases of the Eye and Functional Effects
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Children and Visual Impairment
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Grief, Loss and are we listening?
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Certification and Registration
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Legal Rights and an overview of Welfare Benefits
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Environment and Low vision
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Mobility
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Course content overview on the final day
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Post course assignment and examination information
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, participants will be able to achieve the following learning outcomes in three key areas:
Knowledge and understanding:
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Critically and systematically appraise the key transitions that users of services for visually impaired people go through personally, and in regard to the organisation and services they may receive and the individual adjustments that these require.
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Recognise and describe the impact of sight loss on all age groups with particular reference to the elderly, or those with additional disabilities.
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Demonstrate a good basic knowledge of common eye conditions and their medical and practical implications, and the ability to communicate this to patients in lay language.
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Show an understanding of low vision, its impact on the individual and how it can be maximised.
Skills:
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Develop the listening skills required to provide appropriate emotional support to those losing their sight, whilst recognising the need for referrals to counselling where appropriate.
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To be able to convey basic information on general eye conditions in a manner appropriate to the patient.
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Critically evaluate and apply your basic knowledge of common eye conditions and their medical and practical implications to the task of communicating these to patients in lay language.
Values and attitudes:
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Demonstrate an understanding of the social implications of visual disability, its relationship to medical conditions and its effect on individuals and their families.
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Recognise the importance of being a fully integrated team member to promote and encourage a holistic service to the visually impaired from within a clinic setting.
How is the course delivered?
The Eye Clinic Studies training course is delivered over four full days and is held four times each year at:
RNIB
58-72 John Bright St
Birmingham
West Midlands
B1 1BN
Google map of location
Assessment
Post course assessment will consist of a 3-hour multiple choice question examination and one 2000 word case study which will be provided to delegates on the last day of the course. Examination will take place approximately 6-8 weeks after course completion, allowing time to prepare during this period.
Accreditation
Participants who have passed both the examination and post-course assignment will receive a Certificate in Eye Clinic Support Studies from RNIB and City University London.
How much will it cost?
The fee for the four day course is £750 per participant. This includes all course materials, refreshments and lunch on each day.
How do I apply?
To book your place download the application form below and email it to donna.ledwidge@rnib.org.uk
Alternatively, send your booking form by post to the address below:
Donna Ledwidge
RNIB
58-72 John Bright Street
Birmingham
B1 1BN
Feedback from participants
You can read the feedback from participants who have successfully completed the training below:
"Style was excellent. Lots of techniques and good practice ideas were provided." (September 2010 course)
"This has been an excellent course - giving me confidence as an ECLO." (January 2010 course)
"Made you think how your actions and behaviour have an effect on the service provided." (June 2010 course)
"I have really enjoyed the course, all modules were extremely useful and I feel more confident in establishing my role as ECLO." (June 2010)
Margaret Fuso from Northern Ireland stated that the ECLO managers there have all completed the course - they felt better able to manage people doing an ECLO role having completed the training, and were also able to fully understand their role and its emotional demands. (Margaret Fusco, ECLO Manager, RNIB Northern Ireland - June 2009 course)
"As the recently appointed manager of the RNIB's ECLO service in Wales, I felt it was essential for me to attend the course in order to understand the role and its complexities. The course gave me the insight I needed. Without it, I would have struggled to comprehend all the role entails. I feel it has also enhanced my credibility with the ECLOs I manage." (John Tucker, ECLO Manager, RNIB Cymru - January 2010 course)
Terms and conditions
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All courses are subject to viable numbers.
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Please pay on receipt of invoice.
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RNIB reserves the right to impose a charge for places cancelled one month or less before the commencement date, and in situations where students withdraw after commencement of the course.