€2.2m fund for studying genetic counselling, orthotics or optometry

The government yesterday announced a €2.2 million euro EU-funded sponsorship to individuals who pursue a career in genetic counselling, orthotics, and optometry.

The fund will be available to 13 people who pursue a BSc in Optometry, a Bsc is Orthoptics, and a master’s degree in Genetic Counselling, and will fully cover tuition, books and equipment, travel, living expenses, employment and salary throughout the duration of the course, and guaranteed employment once it has been completed.

Speaking at a press conference at the health ministry, Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne said that the infrastructure of crisis management left behind by previous administration was over, referencing the ten-year national health strategy from 2020-2030, which will be discussed with stakeholders throughout this year and will cover the entire health sector.

Fearne stressed the importance of bringing in more specialists to cater for the growing needs of the health care system.

There are also plans for similar funds to be made available to other specialists in the health care field.

Genetic counselling combines medical genetics and counselling to help people understand the genetic components of a disease. A counsellor can diagnose and provide support to patients, while also providing information to those who may develop a condition.

Orthoptists are health professionals who are trained to diagnose and treat ocular motility and problems related to vision, while optometrists deal with vision correction in adults.

The application process will be open to 10 August.