Ocular prosthetics observership programme

Application procedure for Ocular Prosthetics observership programme

Thank you for expressing an interest in observing in the Ocular Prosthetics Dept at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Please indicate the dates you would like to visit on the Observer Application Form. We also require a copy of your current, brief curriculum vitae.

Written applications should be sent to the address below:
Postgraduate Medical Education Centre
Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
162 City Road, London EC1V 2PD
We also accept applications via email observers@moorfields.nhs.uk and fax +44 (0)20 7566 2223.

We work on a ‘first come first served’ basis so please give as much notice as possible when you make your request. It is advisable to apply at least 6 – 9 months in advance of the date you wish to attend. The maximum length of stay is one month.

Please note that there are certain times during the year when the Ocular Prosthetics Dept activities are reduced and during these times they may not be able to accommodate observers.  The Ocular Prosthetics Dept can only accommodate one observer at a time, for a maximum stay of one month.

Fees

The Trust charges an observership fee of £150 per week (Monday to Friday) as well as a material usage fee of £450 per week. The first two weeks’ observership payment of £300 must be paid in advance as a deposit and is non-refundable.

We only accept payment in pounds sterling via;

• Debit or credit card
• Overseas bankers’ cheque drawn on a UK bank
• Personal cheque for holders of a UK bank account
• Cheques must be made out to ‘Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’.
  
• Payment must NOT be made by bank transfer.
• The remaining fees are payable to the hospital cashiers office on the first day of your Observership.

Confirmation

Your observership period can only be confirmed upon receipt of a £300 deposit payment or £150 if your stay is only for one week (non-refundable), and a signed Agreement Form.
As soon as your visit has been agreed you will receive a formal letter of confirmation including details of how to find the hospital and where to go on your first day.
We reserve the right to give your observership place to another doctor (or the first week of your booking) if you have not arrived within 24 hours of your agreed start date and have not communicated with us in any way.

Regulations

At no time must you attempt to take any photographs whilst on the hospital premises.
You must maintain patient confidentiality at all times, and respect patient privacy.
Smart dress is expected. Jeans, trainers and sports gear of any sort are unacceptable at any time.
Observers must abide by the NHS hygiene guidelines listed;

• No white coats
• ‘Bare below the elbow’
• No wrist watches/jewellery (only small wedding band may be worn)
• No arm bands
• Ties, if worn, should not be hanging loose

Further information

We cannot arrange accommodation for you, but a list of suitable hotels and hostels is available on request.  No references whatsoever will be offered or given at the end of your time at Moorfields. The nature of your stay here is purely observational, so no member of staff will be able to make comments about your professional abilities.   At the end of your visit (on your last day) you will receive a certificate of attendance signed by the Director of Education.

If you are interested in applying for our ocular prosthetic programme please telephone us on + 44 (0)20 7566 2428 or contact us by email observers@moorfields.nhs.uk