Information for new CPD module students - March intake
We extend a warm welcome to new students coming to join us for a standalone CPD module in Orthoptics and Ophthalmology in March. This page gives the date of the introductory day, explains how to access the online learning platform and provides other useful information.
Online introductory day schedules
Each of the modules offered as CPD forms part of a MMedSci programme, therefore you will study alongside other CPD and MMedSci students. Modules will start with an online introductory day in March.
Below you can find the details of sessions being held. You only need to attend the day which relates to your module(s) of study.
- ORT6022 Low Vision - Monday 3 March 2025, 9.15am - 4.15pm
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Module lead: Professor Charlotte Codina
- 9.15am: Introduction with programme and module lead
9.30am-11.30am: The patient care pathway for low vision patients (Mrs Stevie Johnson)
11.30am-12.30pm: Lunch break
12.30pm-1.45pm: Basic optics of visual aids (Mr Patrick Keating)
1.45pm-2pm: Break
2pm-2.45pm: Assessment of adults and paediatric low vision patients (Dr Gemma Arblaster)
2.45pm-3.30pm: Low Vision Q&A and demonstration of some low vision aids (Mr Martin Rhodes)
3.30pm-3.45pm: Break
3.45pm-4.15pm: The virtual learning environment and opportunity for Q&A (Professor Charlotte Codina)
- 9.15am: Introduction with programme and module lead
- ORT6002 Insight into Disease - Tuesday 4 March 2025 4pm - 5.30pm
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Module lead: Sonia Toor
At the introductory tutorial we will focus on two main conditions - Diabetes and Graves Orbitopathy - which you may wish to re-familiarise yourself with in preparation.
There will also be an opportunity towards the end of the tutorial, for those less familiar with our virtual learning platform, Blackboard, to have a virtual tour and ask any questions on such aspects as how the course is delivered, and how assessments are submitted and fed back on.
Further tutorials are planned - details will be added to the Orthoptics and Ophthalmology Google calendar, which is linked below.
- ORT6100 Research Methods - Thursday 6 March 2025, 4pm - 5.30pm
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Introductory tutorial – no pre-reading is required
- ORT6033 Exemptions - Friday 7 March 2025, 9.30am - 4.30pm
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Module lead: Patrick Keating
- 9.30am: Welcome by module leads
- 9.45am - 10.15am: Introduction to Exemptions (Mr Patrick Keating)
- 10.15am - 10.30am: Break
- 10.30am - 12.30pm: Differential diagnoses of red eye (Ms Katie Meakings)
- 12.30pm - 1.15pm: Lunch break
- 1.15pm - 2.30pm: TBC Pharacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics (Pharmacy)
- 2.30pm - 3.30pm: TBC Specific actions of medicines exempted for orthoptists (Pharmacy)
- 3.30pm - 3.45pm: Break
- 3.45pm - 4.15pm: Course delivery, Assessments, and Mechanisms of using exemptions in practice (Mr Karzan Hughes)
These schedules may change, so please refer back to this page for any updates.
Please note: modules, organisations and sessions will be released on Blackboard a few days before the start of your course.
Accessing our virtual learning platform – Blackboard
You should use Google Chrome as your web browser. Other browsers are known to cause issues.
All of your course materials can be accessed from MUSE (My University of Sheffield Environment) via the following steps.
- Visit the University of Sheffield website and log in with your username and password.
- Click on the My Services tab and select Blackboard, our virtual learning platform.
Blackboard has two areas you need to become familiar with: courses and organisations. The course is the module you will be studying in this next semester. The organisation is the umbrella platform for all modules, where information relating to every programme is found. All students should have access to both their course and their organisation.
Finding the first online session – Blackboard Collaborate
We use Blackboard Collaborate as our virtual classroom. This has all the same features as software like Zoom or Google Meet and allows us to present slides and use online whiteboards.
Read our guide to Blackboard Collaborate
- Go to My Services on the University homepage
- Click on Blackboard
- Select Courses
- Click on your chosen module
- On the right-hand menu, click Blackboard Collaborate.
- From here, you can join the initial teaching sessions for each introductory day. Please join this session and not the course room.
You can find more information on Blackboard using the links below:
You’ll find the optional modules you selected during registration in the Vision and Strabismus Organisation. All sessions are recorded and can be accessed later using these instructions.
Our programme and modules are part of the School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery, which is part of the Faculty of Health at the University of Sheffield. As such, will we be supported by resources that have been developed by our school such as the general handbook, and other digital media produced by our faculty. These resources will be available through your Blackboard courses and organisation.
If you need more help, you can email your module lead or contact the Programme Support team at orthoptics@sheffield.ac.uk.
Module timetabling
Orthoptics and Ophthalmology Google calendar
Throughout your studies, you'll have the opportunity to attend virtual tutorials and catch-ups with your peers and tutors. To help you organise your time around your work and life commitments, please refer to our Orthoptics and Ophthalmology Google calendar for the latest scheduling information.
Dates and times are subject to change, so please subscribe to the calendar to make sure you have access to the latest information.
Subscribe to our Orthoptics and Ophthalmology Google calendar
Staff contact details
Professional Lead for Orthoptics
Programme Lead for Vision and Strabismus
Module leads
| Module title | Module lead | Email address |
|---|---|---|
| ORT6022 Low Vision | Professor Charlotte Codina | sonia.toor@sheffield.ac.uk |
| ORT6002 Insight into Disease | Dr Sonia Toor | c.codina@sheffield.ac.uk |
| ORT6100 Research Methods | Dr Viral Sheth | v.sheth@sheffield.ac.uk |
| ORT6033 Exemptions | Mr Patrick Keating |
Recommended reading
Before the introductory session
Please read the articles relevant to the modules you have selected in advance of the online introductory day.
ORT6022 Low Vision
- Slade, J and Edwards, R (2015) My Voice*
- RCOphth (2021) Low vision: the essential guide for ophthalmologists*
- Lovie–Kitchin, J (2011) Reading with low vision: the impact of research on clinical management. Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 94(2), pp.121-132*
- Luu, W., Kalloniatis, M., Bartley, E., Tu, M., Dillon, L., Zangerl, B. and Ly, A., 2020. A holistic model of low vision care for improving vision‐related quality of life. Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 103(6), pp.733-741
- Johnston, A (2003) Understanding how simple magnifiers provide image enlargement. Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 86(6), pp.403-408
*Denotes priority reading.
We appreciate that you have come from diverse backgrounds and experience. If you find the Lovie-Kitchin article challenging, you might like to read the following book by Chris Dickinson. It is available at the University of Sheffield library, but unfortunately not as an e-book as yet.
Dickinson, C. (1998) Low vision: principles and practice. Berwick upon Tweed, UK: Butterworth-Heinemann.
Videos
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ORT6033 Exemptions
Please read the following HCPC (2016) standards for the use by Orthoptists by exemptions to sell and supply medicines.
Downloads and links
Primary Exemptions Tutor Support Form
You will need to identify a Primary Exemptions Tutor to work with you throughout the duration of the module. You should ensure that you have identified one and submitted the PET Support Form to the Programme Support Team (orthoptics@sheffield.ac.uk) prior to the introductory study day.
Primary Exemptions Tutor Support Form (Word Document)
Primary Exemptions Tutor Handbook (2024/25) (PDF)
Low Vision Manager's Consent Form
For our Low Vision module you will need to complete and return a Manager's Consent Form which can be downloaded below. If you didn’t upload this with your application, please make sure you have sent the completed and signed form by email to the Programme Support Team (orthoptics@sheffield.ac.uk) before the course begins.