The number of funded courses has been modelled to achieve coverage across South Yorkshire. If the funding is oversubscribed, then places will be considered based on criteria, for instance applicants in employed roles may be prioritised over locums, or based on the geographic area that applicants work within. The training opportunity will remain open until the available funding has been utilised, rather than having a specific deadline or cut-off date.

Applicants are required to meet the course involvement criteria, including where applicable be GOC registered and on the Ophthalmic Performers List for England, and to be working within an Optometry Practice South Yorkshire.

The funding will cover the full cost for ABDO Access Courses and applicants will be required to pay £250 towards the cost of all other courses. Applicants can select the Institution and course of their choice, though course fees will be capped so applicants will need to meet costs above the following (inclusive of applicant contribution):

Applicants are required to fund the course up-front and will then be reimbursed for the fees by the Training Hub – please note that the application needs to have been approved before you pay the fee and request reimbursement. 

The training scheme will not cover course fees that have been paid in advance of an application for funding. If you do not complete the course, NHS SY ICB reserves the right to recover the course fees.

The funding can include some backfill costs where a course requires in-person attendance.

For the IP courses, the funding would include support for the Clinical Supervisor costs. You will need to arrange your supervisor before funding is released but this should not delay you submitting an Expression of Interest.