GENERAL OPTICAL COUNCIL. Visit to. THE UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER BSc (Hons) Degree in Optometry VISIT REPORT 9-10 APRIL 2014

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1 GENERAL OPTICAL COUNCIL Visit to THE UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER BSc (Hons) Degree in Optometry VISIT REPORT 9-10 APRIL 2014 CONTENTS 1a ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS b BACKGROUND INFORMATION a INTRODUCTION b DEFINITIONS... Error! Bookmark not defined. 3 PROGRAMME CONSTRUCTION... Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.1 Design & Structure... Error! Bookmark not defined. 1

2 3.2 GOC Core Curriculum & Competencies... Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.3 Clinical Work... Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.4 Abnormal Ocular Condition/Hospital ExperienceError! Bookmark not defined. 3.5 Clinical Governance... Error! Bookmark not defined. 4 TEACHING, LEARNING & ASSESSMENT... Error! Bookmark not defined. 4.1 Teaching & Learning Techniques... Error! Bookmark not defined. 4.2 Assessment Structures & Procedures... Error! Bookmark not defined. 5 STUDENT PROGRESSION & ACHIEVEMENT... Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.1 Student Progression & Achievement... Error! Bookmark not defined. 6 MONITORING & EVALUATION... Error! Bookmark not defined. 6.1 Monitoring & Evaluation... Error! Bookmark not defined. 7 STAFFING... Error! Bookmark not defined. 7.1 Management & Leadership of Programme... Error! Bookmark not defined. 7.2 Teaching & Support Staff Information... Error! Bookmark not defined. 7.3 Support Staff... Error! Bookmark not defined. 7.4 Staff Development... Error! Bookmark not defined. 8 RESOURCES & FACILITIES... Error! Bookmark not defined. 8.1 Financial Resources... Error! Bookmark not defined. 8.2 Accommodation & Clinic Equipment... Error! Bookmark not defined. 8.3 Clinic Equipment... Error! Bookmark not defined. 8.4 Learning Resource Strategy... Error! Bookmark not defined. The University utilises a traditional library combined with modern e-learning technologies such as Blackboard. The library is easily accessible, well organised, stocks a sufficient number of relevant texts and journals and caters for varying study requirements. Blackboard and other computer-assisted learning are used by the Programme Team who are continually looking at ways to expand the learning experience with the use of technology.... Error! Bookmark not defined. 9 CONCLUSIONS CONDITIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS Conditions Recommendations 6 Timetable of the Visit... Error! Bookmark not defined. 2

3 1a ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Visitors wish to record their thanks for the kind hospitality shown by Professor Kathryn Saunders Head of Subject during the visit. In addition, the Panel were very grateful to the Head of School of Biomedical Sciences Professor Neville McClenaghan and Dr Karen Breslin acting Course Director for the Undergraduate Programme who gave up their time to meet with the Panel during the Visit. The Visitors would also like to extend their thanks to those staff, students, graduates and employers who also gave up their time to meet with the Panel. 1b BACKGROUND INFORMATION The BSc Optometry undergraduate programme at the University of Ulster was established in 1995 within the School of Biomedical Sciences and the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences. It has become an established and high profile component of the University s portfolio of nursing and allied health professions undergraduate programmes. The academic staff in Optometry also use their professional and research expertise in optometry and vision science to contribute to post-graduate education and training and in widening the optometric scope of practice within Northern Ireland and further afield. Many of the academic staff are research active and were submitted in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework. The Optometry programme at the University attracts high calibre students from traditional A- level and Irish Leaving Certificate backgrounds and, in line with the University s commitment to widening access to education, students entering from the Further Education sector. The number of students remains small allowing teaching staff to focus close attention on individuals at all levels of the programme. The graduates perform very successfully at preregistration level, securing placement positions in a variety of settings and demonstrating above average success in the Professional Qualifying Examinations. The programme has scored highly in the National Student Survey since its inception. Overall satisfaction with the course has ranged between 96% satisfied to 100% satisfied and has put Ulster consistently in the top three of UK Optometry programmes in this regard. 3

4 2a INTRODUCTION This Report is of the Visit by the General Optical Council to The University of Ulster BSc (Hons) Optometry Undergraduate programme. The Visit took place over two days, from 9-10 April The GOC is required to undertake such Visits in order to obtain assurance that the standards of teaching and clinical practice within the programme are compliant with the GOC s competencies and standards, and that the course can continue to be recognised by the GOC for the entry of successful students into the pre-registration period of supervised practice. During the Visit the GOC Handbook, Visit Guidelines for the Approval of Training Establishments for United Kingdom Degrees in Optometry ( the Handbook ) was used by the Visitors. The Visitors conducted their assessments during the Visit applying the criteria and requirements as set out in the Handbook. The BSc Optometry Undergraduate Programme entry requirements are 3 A Levels grades AAB (to include grades AA in two science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics OR Grades AA in Applied Science Double Award). Irish Leaving Certificates grades AAAB (to include grades AA in two science subjects from Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Biology). Applicants are also required to have Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Level English and Maths grade D or above OR Irish Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level English Grade C or above and Maths at grade B or above. Prior to the visit, the GOC received pre-visit information from the University demonstrating how the programme meets the standards in the GOC s Handbook (Visit Guidelines for the Approval of Training Establishments for United Kingdom Degrees in Optometry). In addition to the pre-visit information provided in advance; the visitors reviewed further documentation relating to the programme during the visit. Pre-visit documents provided: Visit Agenda Student timetables Information regarding changes to the programme, staffing and student statistics External examiner reports and accompanying documents Student logbooks (template) and related feedback documents Student Handbooks Patient experience/hospital attendance tracking logs Supervisor/Clinic Handbook and relating documents Annual monitoring reports Course Module descriptors Internal quality reports and documentation Competency mapping Documents provided during the visit: Completed exam scripts 4

5 Completed student logbooks Student/staff consultative meeting minutes 3 CONCLUSIONS The Panel wished to highlight the following points: Programme Construction: Feedback to the Panel indicated students clinical knowledge is sound but business awareness and understanding patients needs (such as communicating appropriately and effectively) are areas where the students required further development The Panel felt that the introduction of the core competencies and clinic early in the programme was beneficial to the students and aided in the management of their expectations of the programme and provided a strong clinical experience The template used for the logbook and the process used to track patient numbers left room for error, the Panel suggested reviewing the template and process to ensure the audit trail is easy to verify The Panel were initially uneasy to discover that students are not made aware of the minimum patient requirement but were reassured by feedback from both staff and students that this method aided student motivation to achieve more than the minimum patient episode requirement The Panel supported the development of an electronic logbook and/or patient tracking system to assist in the monitoring and audit of patient numbers During an audit of the student logbooks the Panel was unclear as to how some of the patient numbers were counted. The Panel suggested that the Team ensure each patient is clearly identified in the logbook The Panel felt the Team s structured approach to the assessment and sign off of competencies with clear performance criteria ensured consistency Use of guest supervisors in clinics provided students with a good range of perspectives and experience Both hospital arrangements would benefit from a simple student attendance record The Panel felt that overall both hospital visits raised no major concerns but felt the Programme Team could utilize the experience even more by allowing students to be more hands on The Panel were greatly encouraged by the dedication and keen enthusiasm of the hospital staff and their commitment to enhance and maximise the student experience. Teaching, Learning and Assessment: The Panel immediately recognised the benefits of the small cohorts resulting in a high level of feedback and staff contact provided to the students The University s strong research ethos created the ideal environment for research informed teaching and encouraging critical thinking by students The Panel were impressed with the use of inter-professional learning between optometry and pharmacy and the quality of teaching observed Concerns regarding the exit level policy were raised repeatedly throughout the visit. The Panel felt strongly that the effects of this policy should be monitored closely. 5

6 Staffing: The Panel felt that the teaching staff are approachable and praised their openness and professionalism The Panel recognised that present staffing level ensures that the programme is sufficiently. However, a reduction of staff would be detrimental to the running of the programme. Overall the Panel were impressed by excellent feedback received from students and employers regarding the Undergraduate Optometry Programme and commended the professionalism and dedication of the programme team. The Panel found the facilities to be adequate and fit for purpose. The Panel remarked on the positive attitudes of the students and highlighted their enthusiasm and collegiate spirit as signs they are enjoying an excellent student experience. The Panel praised the programme team for their efficient and helpful labelling and presentation of the documentation required prior to and during the visit which enabled the panel to review the documentation in a full and methodical manner. 4 CONDITIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS Based on the findings of the visit, the Panel recommend that the BSc (Hons) Optometry undergraduate degree continue to be accredited by the GOC for a further five years subject to adequate annual monitoring submissions and providing the following conditions and recommendations are implemented: 4.1 Conditions i. Existing resourcing levels are to be maintained explicitly including part-time hours budget, permanent posts and administrative/technical support. All staffing updates or vacancies that arise are to be reported to the GOC via the annual monitoring process. ii. Given concern has been raised by both external examiners and students regarding the amendment of regulations to award degrees on the final year marks only and the risk of the adverse impact of student engagement in earlier parts of the programme. The department is asked to keep the impact of this change under review and report on stakeholder feedback regarding this via future annual monitoring submissions. 4.2 Recommendations i. To include an attendance record for hospital visits to be signed by supervising ophthalmologists. The hospital visit should also include the opportunity to observe cataract surgery. ii. The department should provide students with a template for their patient experience logbooks to ensure consistency of records. 6

7 iii. iv. Continue to develop and implement an electronic system for recording and tracking clinical experiences. To review the format of the BV and LV clinics with the intention of increasing the opportunities for students to gain more hands-on experience rather than just observing. 7