RCOphth recommendations on School of Ophthalmology Terms of Reference
1. Background
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists recommends that Ophthalmology is best represented at Deanery level as a separate school of Ophthalmology, rather than as a part of another school.
The College recommends an introductory paragraph describing the Deanery and some information about the number of Higher Specialist Training (HST) trainees in ophthalmology and of run through Ophthalmic Specialist Training (OST) trainees in ophthalmology. There should also be information about the number of FTSTA trainees.
There are 2 different curricula for ophthalmology at present. The pre-August 2007 HST curriculum for SpRs in ophthalmology and the new curriculum for specialty registrars (StRs) who were appointed to run through training from 1 August 2007. This curriculum is also used by FTSTAs. All ophthalmology trainees will be required to take the specified College examinations, depending on the curriculum they are following, for more information on this, consult the College website.
2. Status and main aims
The proposed School of Ophthalmology is an integral part of the Deanery. It will be managed by the Deanery management structure in collaboration with The Royal College of Ophthalmologists. The Head of the School of Ophthalmology normally reports to the Dean, and to the Deanery Ophthalmology School Board. The Head of School may also be a member of further elements of the Deanery management structure, details should be supplied.
The School normally consists of the Head of School, Training Manager, including STC Chair, Programme Director, College Regional Advisor, Educational Supervisors, College Tutors and of course the School’s trainees.
The Deanery should indicate its relationships with local Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs), Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) and Trusts in a brief paragraph.
The School of Ophthalmology will work closely with all stakeholders including The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and will manage and deliver ophthalmology training in the Deanery according to the policies and procedures of the Deanery and also the regulations and guidance of the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board (PMETB).
The main aims of the School of Ophthalmology are:
· To deliver the education and training of specialists in Ophthalmology training programmes that meet The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and Postgraduate Medical and Education Training Board (PMETB) agreed curricula, to the standards set out by PMETB and The Royal College of Ophthalmologists.
· To implement the new MMC training programmes.
· To ensure quality and safety of patient care during the delivery of training.
· To monitor the quality of training and develop appropriate quality management structures that ensure the highest quality of training and link in with guidance from The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and quality assurance control from PMETB.
· To monitor possible discriminatory effects of any policies or procedures and promote diversity and the equality of opportunity
· To manage the selection of trainees to ophthalmology specialist training posts and FTSTAs to ensure that appropriate workplace based assessments (WBAs) and other elements of the recommended curricula are delivered for training in ophthalmology in the Deanery.
· To ensure that the RITA and ARCP process occur for all the relevant trainees in ophthalmology.
· To ensure the satisfactory completion of training for trainees and provide appropriate information to the RCOphth and PMETB to facilitate the award of the CCT or CESR
· To recognise and assess trainees in difficulty and provide support and implement appropriate remedial action.
· To manage career development of trainees in ophthalmology.
· To develop academic training opportunities as appropriate.
3. School of Ophthalmology Board – purpose and function
The Board of the School of Ophthalmology will provide a direction and educational governance for the School of Ophthalmology, to approve policies and procedures for trainers and trainees in ophthalmology and ensure that training in ophthalmology reflects the Deanery strategy and the guidance from The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and PMETB.
There should then follow some details about the arrangements of the board including who the Chair will be and how the major stakeholders such as The Royal College of Ophthalmologists, SHA, PCT, Trust and STC will be represented.
4. Membership
It would then be helpful to have a breakdown of the membership, and the appointment process for each member.
5. Frequency of meetings
It would be helpful to have a description of frequency of meetings and any other administrative points in this term of reference.
The Training Committee
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists
December 2007
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