Orthoptics CPD module pre-arrival information (September intake)
Congratulations on securing your place to study a standalone Orthoptics and Ophthalmology CPD module with us this September. On this page you’ll find useful information and tasks to help make your transition to the University of Sheffield as smooth as possible.
We know this can be a busy time for you, and we want to make preparing for starting your CPD module as straightforward as possible. This pre-arrival page is just for new CPD module students starting in September 2025. Here you’ll find information and tasks to complete specific to you and your module(s).
Introductory day timetables
Each of the modules offered as CPD forms part of a MMedSci programme, meaning you will study alongside other CPD and MMedSci students.
Each module will start with an online introductory day in September.
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.
- HES427 Concomitance and Incomitance in Depth - Tuesday 23 September, 9am - 4.30pm
- HES488 Stroke - Wednesday 24 September, 9am - 4.30pm
- HES487 Eye to Vision - Thursday 25 September, 9am - 4.30pm
- HES429 Medical Exemptions for Orthoptists - Friday 26 September, 9am - 4.30pm
- HES434 Paediatric Ophthalmology - Monday 29 September, 9am - 4.30pm
- HES435 Clinical Leadership and Education in Ophthalmology - Tuesday 30 September, 9am - 4.30pm
Online introductory days for subsequent modules can be found in the Orthoptics and Ophthalmology Google calendar. Schedules may change so please refer to the Google calendar for the latest information.
Please note: modules, organisations and sessions will be released on Blackboard 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 Organisations
- Click on Vision and Strabismus or ACP in Paediatric Ophthalmology (for the Clinical Leadership and Education in Ophthalmology module)
- On the left-hand menu, click Blackboard Collaborate.
- From here, you can join the initial teaching sessions for the introductory day, which is entitled Introductions, Ice-breakers and Tour of Blackboard. Please join this session and not the course room.
Course-specific teaching will be hosted under Courses in Blackboard. We will familiarise you with the location of hosted teaching materials during our introductory session.
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, please email your module lead.
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
Recommended reading
Please read the articles relevant to the module(s) you have selected before your online introductory day.
HES429 Exemptions
Please read the following HCPC (2016) standards for the use by Orthoptists by exemptions to sell and supply medicines.
Pre-arrival tasks
HES429 Exemptions - complete the 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 will also need to complete and return a primary exemptions tutor support form which can be downloaded below. Please make sure you have sent the completed and signed form by email to ahpnm-support@sheffield.ac.uk before your module begins.
Primary Exemptions Tutor Support Form (PDF)
Primary Exemptions Tutor Handbook (PDF)
HES435 Clinical Leadership and Education in Ophthalmology - complete our local mentor support form
For our Clinical Leadership and Education in Ophthalmology module you will need to complete and return a Local Mentor Support Form which can be downloaded below. Please make sure you have sent the completed and signed form by email to ahpnm-support@sheffield.ac.uk before your module begins.
Local Mentor Support Form (PDF)
Contact us
Professional Lead for Orthoptics
Module leads
| Module title | Module lead | Email address |
|---|---|---|
| HES427 Concomitance and Incomitance In Depth | Dr Gemma Arblaster | g.arblaster@sheffield.ac.uk |
| HES488 Stroke | Mr Karzan Hughes | karzan.hughes@sheffield.ac.uk |
| HES487 Eye to Vision | Dr Gail Maconachie | g.d.maconachie@sheffield.ac.uk |
| HES429 Exemptions | Mr Patrick Keating | p.d.keating@sheffield.ac.uk |
| HES435 Clinical Leadership and Education in Ophthalmology | Dr Charlotte Codina | c.codina@sheffield.ac.uk |
General contact details
Programme support: ahpnm-support@sheffield.ac.uk