MSc Clinical Optometry

The full-time MSc Clinical Optometry degree is a modular programme for which students must complete a total of 120 taught credits of the programme. This includes one module which is compulsory; the research methods module has a value of 10 credits. The remaining 110 credits will be achieved through a selection of optional modules. The final 60 credits will be achieved through a research project.

You will have access to multimedia lecture presentations, supporting resources and discussions led by course tutors. On many of the modules leading educators in the field also provide practical skills workshops and tutorials directly relevant to everyday practice. These workshops are delivered by our staff within our custom-designed building. These sessions are an integral part of the course so attendance is compulsory. Formative and summative assessment is via online multiple choice questions, submitted written coursework and assignments (including group wikis and blogs) plus practical exams where appropriate.

The course has some flexibility so you select modules you want to take to fit in with your area of practice or we can suggest combinations or study routes that would suit your professional or personal circumstances. An academic coordinator will work with you to help plan your studies and monitor your progress.

You would complete 120 taught credits over 2 terms and submit your research project dissertation in week 56.

At the start of term in September there is an induction week.

There are two terms of taught modules and students will take 60 credits in each of these terms. The first term runs from September to February and you will undertake the compulsory module on research in this term. The second term runs from February to July.

In March we confirm the research project and you will work with your supervisor to plan the project and gain ethics approval if it is needed. In July, once it has been confirmed that a pass has been achieved in all the taught elements, the research project commences.

Core Modules for Year One

• Study and Research Skills for Eye Care Professionals
• Research Project

Optional Modules for Year One

• Low Vision 1: Theory
• Low Vision 2: Practical
• Acute Eye Care in Optometry 2
• Paediatric Optometry
• Glaucoma Foundation
• Glaucoma 1
• Legal Aspects of UK Optometry
• Management of Tear Film Disorders
• Medical Retina
• Cataract and Refractive Surgery
• Anterior Segment: Clinical Examination and Management
• Study and Research Skills for Eye Care Professionals 2
• Paediatric Eye Care 2: Practice
• Ocular Therapeutics for Minor Eye Conditions
• Contact Lenses 1
• Essential Optometry

How will I be Assessed?

Each module will be assessed formatively and summatively in line with each specific module assessment strategy. This incorporates a variety of modes of assessment including the following:

• Assignment (theoretical and reflective)
• Presentations/ Peer reviewed presentations/ seminars
• Discussion/ seminars/ workshops
• Case scenarios
• Simulated clinical workshops
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations
• Multiple choice question classroom tests
• Practical examinations
• Key Features Scenarios (used in medical education to test clinical reasoning, problem-solving ability and the ability to apply given knowledge)
• OSCEs – Objective Structured Clinical Examinations
• Group wikis
• Blogs
• Written research project report

Assessments used within the programme relate to the measurement of professional, academic and clinical practice.

What Skills Will I Practise and Develop?

After fully engaging with this course, you should be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding

• Demonstrate knowledge of complex, controversial and/ or contentious issues related to optometric practice
• Illustrate an understanding of modern key concepts of optometric practice by applying them to challenges within your own environment and specialist areas of practice
• Appreciate the benefit of inter-professional teamwork in research and/or the delivery of ophthalmic care

Intellectual Skills

• Critically examine the evidence-based literature to assess practice and methods of management in ophthalmic care

Professional Practical Skills

• Assess the signs and symptoms of eye disease to make a differential diagnosis and to rank options
• Problem solve and develop solutions/ management plans in complex and specialist areas of practice based on evidence and sound professional and clinical judgment
• Demonstrate independence of thought and contribute via your own research to the development of knowledge and evidence base of your profession

Transferable/Key Skills

Academic Skills

• Advance your own knowledge and understanding
• Collate and synthesise information from a number of resources to improve learning
• Write concisely and clearly for the academic and clinical community
• Interpret data

Generic Skills

• Manage projects and time
• Work independently
• Use a range of IT software packages and online resources
• Problem solve

This course will enable optometrists to advance their careers. In addition, depending on which modules are chosen, it may act as an assurance that practitioners are competent to work in specialist clinics as outlined in the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and College of Optometrists joint Competency Framework for Allied Health Professionals. For example, the Medical Retina and Glaucoma module aligns with the Medical Retina and Glaucoma Competency Frameworks respectively.

How will I be Taught?

Modules may differ, but you can expect to be taught online (via lectures) and webinars, and by attending workshops for clinical modules. You will study alongside optometrists who are studying part-time. Full-time students will be supported by an academic coordinator.

Participation in moderated online discussions is a feature in almost all modules.

Practical workshops for skills training will be held at locations convenient to the module content and instructed by educational leaders in that discipline. Lectures are supported by the appropriate references and resources, and accompanied by assessment exercises.