MSc in Ophthalmology

The Ophthalmology MSc is ideal for doctors in the early stages of their career, wishing to prepare for a career specialist ophthalmological practice and research. Other applicants include optometrists and orthoptists wishing to expand their clinical and research-based knowledge across all the sub-specialties.

Compulsory modules

• Introduction to Ophthalmology
• Oculoplastics, Lacrimal and Orbital Disease
• Cornea, cataract, external diseases and refractive surgery
• Glaucoma
• Neuro-ophthalmology, strabismus and paediatric Ophthalmology
• Medical Retina, Vitreoretinal, Systemic Diseases, Uveitis and Ocular Oncology
• Ophthalmology Dissertation

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Ophthalmology.

Fieldwork

You are given the opportunity to undertake two half-day sessions worth of observerships in clinics or theatres in Moorfields Eye Hospital, subject to availability and guidance from the hospital Trust. These half-day observerships are not formally part of the programme or compulsory but an additional offering organised by the programme team, to help increase your insight and exposure to patient care.

The Ophthalmology MSc is delivered by two world-leading institutions, UCL and Moorfields Eye Hospital, and will uniquely allow you to learn from experts in every sub-specialty within Ophthalmology. Teaching is delivered through a modular structure, in blocks that are focused on the core ophthalmic sub-specialties (Oculoplastics, Lacrimal, and Orbital Disease; Cornea, cataract, external diseases, and refractive surgery; Glaucoma; Neuro-ophthalmology, strabismus, and pediatric Ophthalmology; Medical Retina, Vitreoretinal, Systemic Diseases, Uveitis and Ocular Oncology). This allows for a connected synthesis of understanding to be developed across the program while ensuring that in-depth knowledge of particular aetiologies, pathologies, management, and treatment of conditions in specific areas can be acquired. The final module of the Ophthalmology MSc is the Dissertation, where students pursue an in-depth study of a topic they are interested in, under the supervision of a specialist in the field.

The Ophthalmology MSc offers opportunities to gain learning in a variety of different ways, including lectures, seminars, practical skills sessions, and surgical wet labs. There are opportunities to undertake group work and oral presentations, allowing students to develop a wide range of skills that are widely used in many work environments, both in clinical ophthalmic care and research. The Research in Ophthalmology (‘RIO’) teaching sessions run throughout the year, allowing students to develop high-level skills in the analysis and interpretation of research that will be invaluable to any field in clinical medicine or research.

The foundation of your career

Graduates will have a substantial knowledge base in respect of common and rare ophthalmic conditions with diagnosis and management paradigms to apply in various contexts in the UK and abroad.

Graduates will have the capacity to synthesize and evaluate information, principles and practice, and core skills which will aid them should they wish to embark on an application for specialist ophthalmology clinical training.

Employability

Graduates will have a comprehensive knowledge base across Ophthalmology and a clear understanding of what high-quality clinical care looks like within each sub-specialty. They will have a critical approach to their practice that enables them to problem-solve in both clinical and research spheres.

Networking

UCL and Moorfields Eye Hospital are joint partners in the Ophthalmology MSc, enabling students to gain experience in both these world-class institutions. Most of the teaching will take place at the Institute of Ophthalmology, which has a very active academic and social calendar that students are fully encouraged to get involved with. Academic events include regular research seminars, special guest lectures, and other events held at the Institute of Ophthalmology, which will not only widen your exposure to the latest research with opportunities to hear from speakers from around the world but will also increase the opportunity to meet with various staff at the Institute, Moorfields and wider UCL community (for example, research staff, clinicians and fellow students).

Within the Ophthalmology MSc, you are taught by a wide range of experts from Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL. Each clinical module has one or two senior clinicians acting as module lead. They take responsibility for that module and will be available during the duration of it, allowing students to network with experts in all the subspecialties. Your program will also hold informal events such as social events so you can meet with teaching staff and other students in your program.