Laser course for ophthalmic healthcare professionals

Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology are delighted to present the Laser course for ophthalmic healthcare professionals.

This course is aimed at clinicians delivering care in glaucoma and cataract settings and provides training in Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), YAG peripheral iridotomy (PI) and YAG capsulotomy procedures. This course is suitable for ophthalmologists, optometrists, ophthalmic nurses, orthoptists or other ophthalmic healthcare professionals.

Course Structure
This course is delivered through a blended learning format with online lectures cover the below topics:
  • Principles of laser procedures
  • Principles of consent 
  • Indications for each laser procedure.
  • Step-by-step application of each type of laser.
  • Post-laser care
  • Complications of treatment with laser.

These lectures and multiple-choice questions must be completed and passed prior to attending the in-person training day.

The in-person training day will consist of workshops delivered using specialist laser model eyes. Delegates will have the opportunity to deliver each laser procedure, and formative assessment includes feedback given during the workshops and by the end of the session. It is expected that you will become capable of carrying out the procedure in a training setting. At the end of the course, you will obtain a certificate of participation and a competency sign off pack.

Learning objectives:

By the end of this course, delegates will be able to:

  • Explain the indications, contraindications, benefits, risks and expected outcomes of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), Nd:YAG Peripheral Iridotomy (PI) and Nd:YAG Posterior Capsulotomy, in line with current clinical guidelines and local governance requirements.
  • Obtain informed consent for ocular laser procedures by effectively communicating procedural risks, benefits, alternatives and post-procedure expectations, adapting explanations to meet individual patient needs.
  • Demonstrate safe laser practice including patient selection, pre-procedure assessment, equipment checks, laser safety principles and appropriate documentation.
  • Demonstrate safe technique of SLT, Nd:YAG Peripheral Iridotomy and Nd:YAG Posterior Capsulotomy on model eyes under direct supervision, applying correct laser settings, techniques and safety measures.
For ophthalmologists:

The training offered for the three laser procedures: YAG laser capsulotomy, YAG peripheral iridotomy (PI), and selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in this course meets the objectives set by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (DOPS SS14 and SS15).

For all other ophthalmic healthcare professionals:

You will receive a certificate of capability at the end of this course, and CPD points are available for registrants of the General Optical Council (GOC).

The certificate of capability do not constitute certification of competence or accreditation to deliver these procedures autonomously. It is expected that candidates will need in vivo training to gain competence in all procedures they wish to practice.

The competency sign-off pack consisting of work-based assessment and reflective practice templates issued will guide the completion of in vivo training in line with in line with Konstantakopolou et al. (2024), however your organisation may choose to alter or add to it to satisfy local requirements. Moorfields and UCL cannot provide this certification of competence or accreditation.

Entry requirements

For optometrists:

No entry requirements apply for ophthalmologists.

For all other ophthalmic healthcare professionals.

Optometrists, ophthalmic nurses, orthoptists or other ophthalmic healthcare professionals wishing to register on this course must provide evidence of the following:

  • BSc in Optometry, Orthoptics, Nursing or equivalent.

AND

  • College of Optometrists Higher Certificate in Glaucoma OR an equivalent qualification.
  • Verified experience and competency with gonioscopy* (independently verified by clinical supervisor, who may be contacted (see gonioscopy competency certification)).

AND

  • Independent prescribing (IP) qualification or working towards, OR
  • Ability to prescribe as part of a Patient Group Direction (PGD) within their work setting.

It is expected that candidates are experienced with gonioscopy and are competent in prescribing medications to treat ocular conditions. Ideally delegates should have experience in providing clinical care to patients in a glaucoma or cataract setting.

Course tutors
The course is taught by: 
  • Scott Hau, Consultant Optometrist and Research Optometrist, Moorfields Eye Hospital
  • Ali Abbas, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Glaucoma Specialist, Moorfields Eye Hospital.
  • Neil Nathwani, Principal Optometrist and Higher Qualifications Lead, Moorfields Eye Hospital.
Next course date
Our next course dates are yet to be announced. Please join the waitlist (using the button below) to be informed of the next dates.


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Taught by

 

Ali Abbas

Ali Abbas is a Consultant Ophthalmologist and Glaucoma Specialist at Moorfields Eye Hospital. He underwent his medical training in the East Midlands and later pursued a fellowship in London, where he eventually transitioned into his consultant role in 2017. With an interest for clinical audit and service enhancement, Ali has helped with work on implementing remote consenting for glaucoma lasers, as well as training optometrists to become independent prescribers and laser practitioners. Through his contribution to the Shared Decision Making pathway, he has also provided teaching and training to empowered allied health professionals with enhanced skills to address the evolving needs of the service. In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Ali is committed to advocating for both staff and patients. In 2018, he took up the role of a Freedom to Speak up Guardian for the trust, demonstrating his dedication to fostering an environment where voices are heard and concerns are addressed.

Mr Scott Hau

Scott Hau is a Consultant Optometrist and Research Optometrist at Moorfields Eye Hospital. He works in numerous external role ophthalmology clinics including A&E, external disease, glaucoma, laser, adnexal/minor ops and medical Retina/uveitis. He has been instrumental in developing various optometry extended-role clinics at Moorfields Eye Hospital and is also the optometry lead for Laser and Independent Prescribing.

 
 

Neil Nathwani

Neil Nathwani graduated in 2009 from City University, London, after which he completed his Pre-Registration training at Essex County Hospital, Colchester. He is currently a Principal Optometrist at Moorfields Eye Hospital, where his expertise is channelled in the field of glaucoma. He holds the Diploma accreditation in glaucoma from the College of Optometrists and continues to work within the NHS, where he has administered over 1,700 SLT treatments over the course of seven years. In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Neil has a passion for education and teaching. He serves as the Module Lead for the Diploma in Glaucoma module at Moorfields Eye Hospital. Neil also holds the Fellowship status with the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). His contributions include lectures, clinical supervision, course development, and assessment within both hospital-based and university-led education programmes. He has been a core member of the LiGHT trial, investigating the efficacy of SLT in the treatment of glaucoma, and has been a co-author in several high-profile publications.

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