From Placement to Practice: CHEC’s First Independent Prescribing Graduate

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.

To learn more about elevating your career with Independent Prescribing Clinical Placement at CHEC here.