The BIOS curriculum framework for pre-registration orthoptic education and training is a reference document that expands on Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency (SOPs) for orthoptists. It is designed primarily for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to be able to develop new programmes and ensure that the curricula for existing programmes are appropriately mapped to latest developments. It is also a useful reference document for any who wish to understand the minimum standard of breadth and depth of knowledge, skills and behaviours covered in pre-registration 0rthoptic education and training. This includes, but is not limited to, those involved in orthoptic education (e.g. practice-based learning partners) and service users.

The curriculum framework described here is a minor update to the 2016 BIOS Orthoptics Curriculum Framework and brings updates from practice and HCPC SOPs over the last 7 years. We have been deliberate in use of the same terms used in the 2016 version to ensure ‘scores’ match – thus carrying over the views of the >300 Orthoptists who contributed to the original framework.

The framework has now been aligned to Advanced Practice ‘pillars’ – around clinical practice, education, research, and leadership and management. This will allow newly-qualified Orthoptists to see where their
knowledge and skills sit, and plan more effectively in shaping their careers.