Funded Training Opportunities
Humber and North Yorkshire NHS England, in collaboration with LOCs across the area are funding a range of training and development opportunities to support the clinical and professional development for the Community Optometry workforce.
This exciting training opportunity will remain open for the duration of funding available, rather than having a specific deadline, although we do encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We will consider back-dated applications to cover courses and/or placements and clinical supervision which started from September 2022 (with proof).
To apply, complete the Expression of Interest form online
What can be funded?
Applicants can select the training provider / institution and course of their choice.
Training opportunities may cover the following areas:
• Core Competency
• Professional Certificates
• Professional Higher Certificates
• Professional Diplomas
• Independent Prescribing (IP)
• Other opportunities not listed here will also be considered.
For courses where placements or supervision is required, you will need to arrange this before funding is released but this should not delay you submitting an Expression of Interest.
For the IP courses (or similar), the funding can extend to support costs associated with Clinical Supervision. Again, you will need to arrange your Supervisor before funding is
released but this should not delay you submitting an Expression of Interest.
Who is eligible?
The opportunity is available to Community Optometrists, Dispensing Opticians and Contact Lens Opticians working within Humber and North Yorkshire on a regular basis.
Applicants are required to be on the Opthalmic Performers List for England and to be GOC registered, and to be working within a GOS registered Optometry Practice in Humber and North Yorkshire.
What does the funding cover?
Applicants will need to pay the first £250 toward their course fees.
The funding will then reimburse applicants for the costs incurred (with proof of payment),
up to the stated caps below:
• Core Competency courses capped at £125
• Professional Certificates capped at £750
• Higher Professional Certificates capped at £1,000
• Professional Diplomas capped £1,500
• Independent Prescribing capped at £2,500
Placements and clinical supervision costs incurred from September 2022 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
How do I apply?
Expressions of interest can be made by individuals or employers (provided they are for a clearly identified individual).
If you are interested in applying for funding to support you or your team, complete the Expression of Interest form online and click ‘submit’
Queries can be directed FAO of Debra Leadbetter at england.primarycare@nhs.net
How will I know if you’ve received my Expression of Interest?
Expressions of Interest must be submitted online and you will receive a ‘thank you’ message on screen once you submit your application. Please note, you will not receive an automatic email confirmation at this time.
A member of the NHSE team will email all new applicants each Friday by 12 noon. If you
have not received an email confirmation by this time, following the day you submitted your application, please email england.primarycare@nhs.net with your details.
For example, if you submitted your application at 4pm on Friday, you would receive email confirmation by 12 noon the following Friday. If you submitted your application at 8pm Thursday, you would receive email confirmation the next day (Friday, by 12 noon).
How will I know if I’ve been successful in gaining funding?
Once we receive your application, a panel of Local Optical Committee representatives will consider each request and you will be informed of the outcome via email. We aim to notify you within 4 weeks (or earlier) of NHSE confirming receipt of your application. If necessary, NHSE may request further information to support your application.
A member of NHSE will be in touch to confirm the outcome with all applicants. If successful NSHE will link with you to request further details and proof of enrolment, payment, etc.