Level 3 Guide

During this stage doctors intraining will rotate through posts to receive mandatory training in the specific clinical skills related to the main ophthalmic SIAs. This is essential to prepare ophthalmologists to work in specialty-based hospital eye services within their capabilities. Doctors in training will develop transferable surgical skills as they move between these specialty posts and will continue to consolidate their cataract surgical skills. Progression in cataract surgery will be demonstrated by performing complete procedures, a continuous cataract complications audit and formative assessments. Other surgical and procedural skills will also be assessed formatively. Clinical knowledge will be assessed by the final Part 2 FRCOphth examination. Throughout this stage of training, generic professional capabilities will continue to be assessed through the ePortfolio and multiple consultant assessments.

An ophthalmologist working at Level 3 will be able to independently assess and manage moderate complexity patients demonstrating an understanding of appropriate procedures and selecting the most appropriate treatment. They will work at the level expected of a consultant general ophthalmologist, i.e. not a specialist in the area. They will recognise when specialist expertise is required and refer appropriately. They will independently perform low complexity procedures relevant to the specialty. Full details of the descriptors supporting each Learning Outcome can be found in the curriculum microsite.

1. EPA Level 3 – one for each of the Level 3 SIAs (overall requirement of minimum of one every 6 months) until final one signed off by NCS as ‘Competent’ in Patient Management Domain Level 3. The requirements for the Level 3 EPA are summarised in Table A.
2. This Guide also contains a completed sample EPA for Community Ophthalmology – note that this is a Word document and it will look different in the ePortfolio.
3. GSAT Level 3 – one for every six months until final one signed off by ES as achieving the competencies required to complete this Level in the six Generic (non-Patient Management) Domains. Examples of evidence that can be used in the Level 3 GSAT are summarised in Table B.
4. Educational Supervisor Report – one for every six months and final one confirming a review of the ePortfolio indicating that Level 3 competencies have been achieved in all seven Domains.
5. Pass in Part 2 FRCOphth examination
6. Logbook
7. Professional Development Plan
8. MSF – one for each 12 month training period
9. Cataract Complications Audit – for each 12 month training period
10. Form R, SOAR declaration or equivalent – for each 12 month training period
11. Satisfactory outcome in ARCP

Please also see Level 3 training requirements in the section on ARCP and the Learning Outcomes on the curriculum microsite.

You can download a sample completed EPA in Community Ophthalmology as follows:

Sample completed EPA Level 3

Remember this is a Word document which will look different in the ePortfolio.