NRC News

Daryl, Max and Sasha ready to teach

Adapted training day success On 2 November, another group of contact lens opticians (CLOs) successfully attended the NRC for the ABDO Extended Services Day (ESD).

Run under strict Covid-19 precautions, a revised timetable meant that much of the lecture element had been previously covered via webinar so the day could be dedicated to hands-on experience.

The group was divided between four tutors – Sasha Macken and Sharon Beatty from the Wales Optometry Postgraduate Education Centre, ABDO vice president, Daryl Newsome, and Max Halford, ABDO clinical lead. This meant that tutor to student ratios were high and groups could be kept small to maintain social distancing.

The foreign body removal and contact tonometry workshops were interspaced with training on advanced slit lamp techniques and anterior chamber viewing.

Feedback from the students was extremely positive and all felt the day had helped greatly in their preparation for the Extended Services objective structured clinical examination in early 2021.

Max commented: “Thank you to the NRC team for looking after us so well. The feedback I had from the candidates was yet again 100 per cent positive and the Covid-19 precautions worked extremely well.”

The next scheduled ESD will take place on Thursday 10 December. Details of minor eye conditions services (MECS) training and qualification can be found on the ABDO website. Individual enquires can be directed to Max Halford at mhalford@abdo.org.uk

Read a fuller report of the recent ESD on DO Online.

Time to shine Rebecca Jasper, NRC receptionist, has completed the ABDO College Optical Assistant course with an impressive 94 per cent average mark.

Mat Stringer, operations manager at the NRC, said: “Rebecca has been a pleasure to mentor. Considering she has never worked in optics before, she has picked everything up with ease whilst gaining interchangeable skills to use at the NRC.”

ABDO director of examinations, Alicia Thompson, added: “Rebecca has embraced this course with her natural enthusiasm and attention to the smallest detail. Rebecca is an excellent communicator and is naturally interested in all the clinical activity we offer.

“The course has given her more confidence in understanding and contributing to the patient journey when they visit us here at the NRC. We just knew she would shine, and we are all so incredibly proud of her.”

Safe space for New Year bookings Those thinking about resuming face-toface meetings at the NRC next year are being advised to book as soon as possible.

“The venue is already looking busy in January and February, with limited dates available,” said operations manager, Mat Stringer. “It also looks like the summer will be busy. There is more space available in other months, but please do speak to the NRC team to outline your requirements. Provisional bookings can also be made subject to terms and conditions.”

The NRC team has worked hard to ensure safe layouts and hygiene protocols for clients and visitors. These include: contactless sign in, hand sanitising stations and guidance throughout the venue, desktop screens, trace information exchange, personal protective equipment (PPE) supply, personal food menus, single use Vegware cups and utensils, and thoroughly sanitised clinical bays with slit lamp guards and infection prevention and control (IPC) signage.

“The team has carried out a thorough risk assessment,” said Mat. “All staff have Rebecca Jasper, NRC receptionist

Safety measures in place completed IPC training, including the use of PPE, which is provided for visitors who have booked meetings. Hand sanitising stations can be found throughout the centre, and communal areas have been adapted to adhere to social distancing. Perspex screens have also been fitted in areas where necessary. You can be confident that the NRC is a safe place for your events and training.”

Contact the NRC team on

enquiries@abdonrc.org.uk

YOU’RE MAKING YOUR

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