At CHEC, we’re dedicated to partnering with community optometrists to uphold the highest standards of patient care. A key part of this commitment is sharing our ophthalmic knowledge and expertise through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training. Starting January 16th, our new CPD cycle offers a range of valuable learning opportunities designed to enhance skills, expand knowledge, and ultimately improve patient care. Our comprehensive programme of accredited CPD events is ratified by the General Optical Council, and we collaborate closely with Local Optical Committees nationwide to ensure we meet the evolving needs of the optometry community. Investing in Your Expertise: CHEC’s Commitment to CPD Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is crucial for healthcare professionals to stay at the forefront of their field, ensuring they provide the best possible care for patients. At CHEC, we understand the importance of ongoing learning and are committed to supporting the professional growth of our colleagues and external partners. CHEC’s Dedication to CPD In 2024 alone, CHEC proudly hosted an impressive 27 CPD events across the country, awarding a remarkable total of 5,172 CPD points. This demonstrates our substantial investment in providing high-quality educational opportunities for professionals in the healthcare sector. Why CPD Matters CPD is more than just attending courses; it’s a commitment to lifelong learning and improvement. It helps professionals: Stay up-to-date: Keep abreast of the latest advancements, research, and best practices in their field. Enhance skills and knowledge: Develop new skills and deepen existing knowledge to improve clinical practice. Improve patient outcomes: Ultimately, CPD contributes to better patient care and improved health outcomes. Meet professional requirements: Many professional bodies require healthcare professionals to engage in regular CPD to maintain their registration and competence. Our CPD events are designed to provide valuable learning experiences that are both informative and engaging. But don’t just take our word for it – here’s what some of our recent attendees had to say: “Really well presented – nice to have 2 expert opinions on topics. I think having someone moderating the chat the entire time was so useful too.” “I couldn’t fault last night’s CPD event! Compliments on the food provided, and everyone was welcoming as Hosts. The presentation was informative and got everyone thinking about the subject being discussed. Sheena was a clear speaker with a very professional presentation.” “The presentation was very interesting and easy to understand. I found the way Dr Moeman explained things very engaging. He explained the topic of Glaucoma very well and I feel I understand it much better now. I have attended CPD lectures before, but this one was by far my favourite purely because of the way it was delivered. Many thanks.” Looking Ahead Kickstart your professional development in 2025 with CHEC’s new CPD cycle, launching on January 16th! We’re beginning with an engaging virtual event focused on “Cataract in Diabetics – Walking The Tightrope,” setting the stage for a year of enriching learning experiences. Join Mahmoud Rabie, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon specializing in cataract and retina and CHEC Clinical Director of Ophthalmology, for our first CPD event of the cycle which offers 2 CPD points. This event will be hosted virtually ahead of the opening of our new Wandsworth site. Whether you prefer face-to-face learning or the convenience of online sessions, we have a range of CPD events to suit your needs. Discover our in-person and virtual options. View CPD Calendar Here’s what Mahmoud Rabie, Clinical Director for Ophthalmology at CHEC, has to say the importance of CPD and his hopes for 2025. “My CHEC colleagues and I are thrilled to bring CPD learning back to industry professionals. After a pause with the end of the cycle, I’m excited to share CHEC expertise and reconnect with professionals of the Optometry World across the UK in 2025. CPD is the foundation for staying at the forefront of clinical excellence, delivering outstanding patient care, and advancing your career. Let’s grow and innovate together!” Gain Your points In One Day with Our Super CPD Event Get ready for a CPD experience like no other! In May 2025, CHEC is thrilled to introduce our first-ever Super CPD event, offering an incredible opportunity to earn a substantial number of CPD points in just one action-packed day. This is the perfect chance to boost your professional development efficiently and effectively. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity – register your interest today to secure your spot and be among the first to experience CHEC Super CPD! CHEC Super CPD Day As part of an ongoing commitment to upskilling the eye care industry, CHEC now offers a dedicated Independent Prescribing (IP) Clinical Placement Programme, aimed at enhancing the skills of healthcare professionals. Open to qualified optometrists, and available in CHEC hospitals across England, the placement allows IP students to develop crucial prescribing competencies by observing patient care, participating in examinations, and working closely with expert ophthalmologists. As an optometrist navigating the final stages of her IP qualification, Brooke Hutchins faced the challenge of securing a clinical placement. Brooke discovered CHEC’s IP programme through a peer, and a few weeks later began her placement journey at CHEC. As the first student to complete CHEC’s IP placement, Brooke shares her experiences and the pivotal role her placement played in becoming a qualified prescribing optometrist. Learning with CHEC During her placement at CHEC’s Stevenage hospital, Brooke gained important hands-on clinical training, excelling in the dynamic hospital environment where she was exposed to a broad spectrum of general ophthalmology outpatient cases. Her first-hand experience with a diverse range of ophthalmic conditions significantly deepened Brooke’s understanding of diagnosis and patient management, and the issuing of necessary prescriptions. Throughout her time at CHEC, Brooke was able to observe clinical interactions between patients and prescribing ophthalmologists, take part in the examination and assessment of patients, and liaise with prescribing ophthalmologists on patients’ clinical cases. “My IP placement at CHEC was an incredible learning experience,” says Brooke. “The opportunity to work closely with and learn from seasoned doctors and surgeons, develop my diagnostic skills, and understand the links between the theory and practice of prescribing was invaluable.” A standout aspect of Brooke’s experience was her strengthened understanding of glaucoma management, considerably boosting her confidence in treating the condition. Brooke also observed new treatment applications and techniques, helping to improve her own practices. “Coming from an optometry background, it was enlightening to broaden my perspective and explore a different stage of the eye treatment journey,” continues Brooke. “The chance to see new techniques and approaches has greatly improved my own practice, and will enhance the support I’m able to offer my future patients.” Crossing the finish line Brooke’s successful completion of her placement at CHEC was vital in securing her a place in the Therapeutics Common Final Assessment. To qualify for the exam, the final step to becoming a qualified independent prescriber, students must complete at least 24 x 3-hour sessions in the HES or specialist general practice. By completing the required number of clinical sessions before the July deadline, Brooke avoided the need to wait for the next exam sitting in November. This allowed Brooke to kickstart her professional progression earlier than anticipated, making her excited about future career prospects. Despite finding the exam challenging, Brooke was thrilled to learn that she passed in August. In Brooke’s own words, finding out she passed the final exam, ‘felt like winning an Olympic medal!’ “Becoming an Independent Prescriber is not only a big personal milestone but also improves my capabilities as an optometrist,” she explains. “It allows me to offer a higher level of care and make a more meaningful impact on my patients.” Looking to the future With her new credentials as a certified Independent Prescriber, Brooke is eagerly preparing for the next chapter of her career. Brooke is set to begin a new part-time role in a hospital, whilst continuing her work as a resident in a local independent optometry practice. She is excited to utilise her new knowledge and skills to benefit patients and is eager to continue learning as her career progresses. “The Independent Prescribing placement has truly opened new doors for me,” says Brooke. “Thanks to CHEC, especially the Stevenage hospital, I’ve been able to move forward without the delay of waiting for the next exam sitting. This has allowed me to pursue roles and opportunities I wouldn’t have been able to before. “I highly recommend CHEC to anyone looking for an IP placement. Their support was invaluable, and I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to advance my career and make a greater impact.” To learn more about elevating your career with Independent Prescribing Clinical Placement at CHEC here. The NHS is a treasured service, but it’s no secret that waiting lists for certain treatments can be a significant challenge for patients. Over the decades, the NHS has continually adapted and evolved to meet the changing needs of the population, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and dedication to improving patient care. The latest reform plan will see millions of patients able to access more appointments closer to home, with the announcement of a new partnership agreement between the NHS and the independent sector. At CHEC, we’ve been a proud partner to the NHS for over 12 years. We are ready to continue our shared care approach to help reduce waiting times and ensure patients receive the timely, quality care they need. Health and Social Care Secretary WES Streeting said, “I’m not going to allow working people to wait longer than is necessary, when we can get them treated sooner in a private hospital, paid for by the NHS. If the wealthy can be treated on time, then so should NHS patients. “The steps we have already taken in the first six months have seen waiting lists begin to fall. The investment and reform we are now making will cut waiting times from 18 months to 18 weeks.” Our Commitment to Efficient Care CHEC is one of the UK’s leading providers of community healthcare, specialising in Ophthalmology, Gastroenterology, ENT and Dermatology services on behalf of the NHS, offering patient choice and access to timely care and treatment locally. CHEC CEO, Imran Rahman, MB BS FRCOphth said; “This new partnership agreement marks an important step in addressing the challenges facing the NHS. CHEC is proud to be part of the solution, offering our expertise and capacity to help alleviate pressure on NHS services. “We believe our proven track record of delivering rapid access to exceptional care makes us a key resource in this mission. Across our thirty hospitals, we consistently achieve our target of offering 100% of our patients an appointment within 0-4 weeks, leading to improved health outcomes and a quicker recovery. “This demonstrates our commitment to providing efficient, patient-centred care and our readiness to support the NHS in meeting its waiting time targets.” Our close partnership with the NHS allows us to provide additional capacity as well as effectively reducing pressure on their resources. CHEC’s modern, state-of-the-art hospitals are equipped with the latest technology, enabling us to deliver efficient and effective care. This is all supported by our dedicated team of experienced healthcare professionals who are committed to providing high-quality care to every patient. We pride ourselves on supplying healthcare services in local community settings and offering free Home to HospitalTM transport, providing greater convenience for patients. Our partnership with the NHS enhances patient choice, ensuring access to timely care and treatment within their local communities. Learn more about Patient Choice. If you’re an NHS patient waiting for Ophthalmology, Gastroenterology, ENT or Dermatology treatment, talk to your GP or eye care professional about a referral to CHEC. With the festive season upon us, we want to reflect on the incredible year at CHEC and express our thanks for our patients and partners. Here’s a snapshot of 2024 at CHEC AWARDS & RECOGNITION This year, CHEC’s dedication to excellence has been recognised with: 3 people awards: Great Places to Work Thrive at Work and Investors in People. 2024 Healthcare Award: Best Specialist Care Provider and Excellence in Eye Care Services. Highly Commended: BIBAs Business of the Year and Service Business of the Year. As we step into 2025, our commitment to delivering excellent healthcare remains the same. Here’s to another year of achievements, advancements, and improving lives through outstanding care in Ophthalmology, Dermatology, ENT, and Gastroenterology. Thank you for trusting CHEC as your healthcare partner. Together, we look forward to continuing to make a difference in the lives of our patients. CHEC West Bromwich set to reduce NHS waiting times and increase patient choice CHEC West Bromwich is ready to welcome patients for cataract surgery after officially opening the doors in West Bromwich city centre. The conveniently located facility will help reduce NHS waiting times and increase patient choice by providing access to ophthalmology services in the community. With parking and excellent transport links, the new clinical facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art ophthalmology theatre. Now accepting referrals, CHEC West Bromwich is supporting the NHS to reduce waiting times by treating patients for cataracts within four weeks. Kirandeep Mandahar, Hospital Manager for CHEC West Bromwich, said: “Having shared the news that we’d be opening a site in West Bromwich earlier this year, we’re pleased to have now opened our doors and be able to take on new patients. “For well over a decade, we’ve been trusted by the NHS to deliver healthcare services including cataracts, free of charge for local people in the community. Cataract surgery is transformative for those who receive it, improving their wellbeing and lifestyle almost instantly. At CHEC, our priority is ensuring patients are able to exercise choice, receive exceptional care and all have equity of access to our high quality care. We’re excited to now offer that in West Bromwich, and look forward to welcoming our first patients in the coming weeks.” To learn more about accessing the services CHEC West Bromwich offers We are pleased to announce the completion of our fourth community-based clinic provision in Leicester. The CHEC Leicester hospital opened in 2022 and has since been undertaking a project to open ‘spoke’ clinics across the region. Spokes act as extensions of the hospital’s ophthalmology offering, available in community settings including GP practices. This unique operating model increases equity of access to specialist healthcare for people who struggle to travel to the hospital site, and relieves local waiting lists for outpatient, elective and diagnostic services. The fourth CHEC spoke in Leicester has now opened at The Uppingham Surgery, North Gate, Uppingham, completing the roll out. Earlier this year, clinics also became available at Heath Lane Surgery in Earl Shilton, Two Shires Medical Centre in Market Harborough, and Long Lane Surgery in Coalville. Bhavin Vadhia, Hospital Manager for CHEC Leicester, which is based in the city centre on St Matthews Way, said: “Since opening our doors in March 2022, CHEC Leicester has consulted more than 9,000 patients and carried out over 4,300 cataract surgeries, but we know not everybody feels able to visit the hospital. This could be due to transport or mobility issues, time constraints with work, or simply the need to feel comfortable in more familiar surroundings. “That’s why our community clinics – or our ‘spokes’ – are so important. They break down barriers and make it easier than ever for us to complete the healthcare journeys our patients are taking, speeding up the process and unlocking extra resource in local NHS services, too. Now we have four community clinics up and running across Leicester, we look forward to seeing the invaluable difference we can make in the region.” In 2023/24, CHEC treated more than 372,000 ophthalmology patients with an average wait time of less than four weeks. CHEC hospitals span the country’s major towns and cities, and each hospital is supported by a minimum of three community clinics, placed in more remote locations, in line with where patients say access to NHS treatment is particularly challenging. To learn more about accessing the ophthalmology treatments CHEC provides in partnership with the NHS. CHEC Kings Norton is set to reduce NHS waiting times and increase patient choice CHEC Kings Norton welcomed its first NHS patients after officially opening the doors at the site in Birmingham. The conveniently located facility will help reduce NHS waiting times and increase patient choice by providing timely access to ophthalmology services such as cataracts, YAG Laser, and Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) to local residents. With free parking and excellent transport links, the new clinical facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art ophthalmology theatre. Now accepting referrals, the community hospital is supporting the NHS to reduce waiting times by treating patients within four weeks. Natasha Watts, Hospital Manager at CHEC Kings Norton, said: “For well over a decade, we’ve been trusted by the NHS to deliver healthcare services free of charge to local communities, and we’re very excited to be opening our doors in Kings Norton. “Patient choice, exceptional care, and equity of access are central to our operations and ethos, which is why we’re proud to collaborate with NHS partners nationwide, helping to keep waiting times to a minimum while delivering the very best quality of care. “We look forward to welcoming patients, and invite the local community to get in touch and learn more about how we work with the NHS to make much-needed treatments more readily accessible.” To learn more about accessing the services CHEC provides at its Kings Norton site, please contact engagement@chec.uk CHEC continues to supports local residents together with the NHS As one of the UK’s leading providers of community-based ophthalmology and endoscopy services, we recently celebrated a significant milestone with our Milton Keynes site treating its first endoscopy patients earlier this month. Already offering end to end ophthalmic services, the recent addition of endoscopy services strengthens our position as a trusted provider of community healthcare. Based in a state-of-the-art centre, the community care facility has a dedicated clinical team and on-site ophthalmology and endoscopy suite. Working with the NHS, CHEC increases patient choice and reduces waiting times for people in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas by making essential treatments more accessible. “The waiting time for general outpatient gastroenterology services in Milton Keynes is currently up to 58 weeks,” said Alex Osipowicz, Hospital Manager. “By choosing CHEC, patients can access endoscopy treatment within up to four weeks. Patient choice and high quality standards of care are front and centre of what we do at CHEC, alongside an ongoing commitment to make it easier for people in our communities to access the healthcare services they need. What we find most rewarding is seeing the impact our offering has, because we know it will be a huge benefit for wellbeing in the community.” To learn more about accessing the community-based endoscopy treatments CHEC provides with the NHS, please visit chec.uk