Teaching focus: Alice Donnachie

What is your job role at the UCL institute of Ophthalmology and what do you teach?

I am the Deputy Programme Lead and a Module Co-Lead for the MSc Orthoptics (pre-registration) programme. The course is a two-year, full-time, accelerated programme that takes science or healthcare graduates and trains them to be Orthoptists.

Orthoptics is one of the smallest of the allied health professions (akin to physiotherapy or radiography) and is the study of eye movements and binocular vision (how the two eyes are used together). We almost always work in the NHS alongside the other eye specialties, and our patients comprise children with strabismus or amblyopia, and adults with double vision or eye movement abnormalities.

What initially drew you to a career in Orthoptics?

I chose Orthoptics while studying for my A-levels. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare and was drawn to the idea of developing a specialist skill set. As we all know, eyes and vision are inherently fascinating, and Orthoptics feels like the more niche, hospital-based sibling to Optometry. Unlike most decisions made as a teenager, I have never regretted choosing Orthoptics as a career. It has been the most rewarding path I could have taken, and I am so proud to be able to say I love my job (and mean it!).

What does your role as Deputy Lead of the Orthoptics programme involve? 

I work closely with Dipesh Patel (the esteemed Programme Lead) and Felicity Johnston-Stone (our amazing Senior Teaching and Learning Administrator) to manage the day-to-day running of the course.  I deliver lectures, small group teaching, clinical skills sessions, and design and mark assessments alongside eight other fantastic Module Leads.

How does your role at Moorfields Eye Hospital relate to your role at the institute/How do your clinical experiences influence the way you teach?

I also work clinically as an Advanced Orthoptist at Moorfields Eye Hospital, City Road, two days a week. Hvaing regular clinical sessions helps ensure that my teaching remains authentic and aligned with what students will experience on placement and in their future careers.  I like using real patient cases and examples from some of our specialist clinics at Moorfields to help connect the theory with the practical realities of orthoptic work.

How do you help students bridge the gap between theory and clinical practice?

I can't take too much credit for this, as our students are lucky enough to attend month-long block placements at eye departments around the country where they are mentored, supervised and assessed by Orthoptic clinical tutors, who very rarely receive the recognition they deserve. The placement component of the course is integral to the way our students learn experientially. We try and supplement this with simulated patients and video resources, but nothing beats the real placement experience!

Reflecting on the past academic year, is there a specific project you guided your students through that you particularly enjoyed?

The final clinical exams (OSCEs) always feel like a real milestone. It’s the last time we see students in action before they qualify, and their progress over just two years - from beginners to confident, capable Orthoptists - is incredible. The way they handle complex cases under exam pressure really shows how ready they are for the profession.

What was your reaction upon receiving the 2025 institute’s Teaching Award?

I was extremely grateful to whoever who took the time to nominate me, and genuinely honoured to receive the award. Orthoptics is a small profession and can often be overlooked, so gaining this recognition felt particularly meaningful. Considering the programme is only four years old, this achievement reflects the collective effort and dedication of the entire MSc Orthoptics team.

What do you consider to be the greatest benefit of working across two big institutions such as UCL IoO and Moorfields?

The most exciting benefit has to be the Oriel project - there aren't a lot of institutions (especially in the NHS!) which would have a bespoke, state-of-the-art center built for them in the heart of London. The big move in 2027 is going to be a great opportunity for staff from both institutions to collaboratively shape the future of ophthalmic care, research and education. 

What's it like to study Orthoptics at UCL?