About this program
Eye Care Governance (Taught)
The Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) in Optometry in Eye Care Governance is a 60 credit Level 7 qualification, which seeks to provide those involved in the governing of eye care in the UK with a professional qualification. Whilst we also run highly successful qualifications for those involved in clinical practice, this qualification is aimed at those who undertake clinical governance and advisory roles in the sector.
Starting in September, this course consists of three core modules – leadership skills, evidence-based eye care and audit, and legal aspects of UK optometry – as well as a free choice of 20 credits to allow students to follow their interests and increase their knowledge and understanding of a specific area. The aim of the course is to provide eye care professionals with the skills required to successfully oversee ophthalmic services, with the opportunity to become effective leaders within the sector, and with a comprehensive overview of their legal obligations in optometric practice in the UK.
Several modules are aligned with nationally agreed competency standards – for example, the Low Vision Service Wales and the MECS scheme among others.
Students who have evidence of achieving such standards within the last three years can present this to the Director of the programme for consideration for approved prior learning (APL) accreditation, where module credits would be given to the student in recognition of their prior achievements.
Distinctive features
- The opportunity to learn with one of the leading Optometry Schools in Europe, rated excellent for teaching and research.
- The involvement of research-active staff in course design and delivery.
- The variety of modules on offer.
- The flexibility of open learning.
- The only eye care governance course available in the UK.
Admission requirements
Students are normally expected to hold either:
- UK/EU Students: BSc (Hons) Optometry, GOC registration or equivalent national qualification.
- Overseas: a) Honours degree in optometry or b) Professional optometric qualification of home country.
- Non UK/EU Students: a) Honours degree in optometry or b) Professional optometric qualification of home country.
Further Education Students: (Direct Entry)
Candidates who have studied at a postgraduate level in clinical optometry elsewhere (such as City or Aston Universities) can be considered for access to the programme at Cardiff University. This will be done via accreditation of prior learning (APL), and candidates must submit documentary evidence to support such an application e.g. through records of achievement documents, portfolios, and clinical records.
English language requirements: Minimum University requirements
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the university website.
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Program content
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/23 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.
Year one
Optional modules
- Low Vision 1: Theory
- Low Vision 2: Practical
- Acute Eye Care in Optometry 1
- Acute Eye Care in Optometry 2
- Paediatric Optometry
- Study and Research Skills for Eye Care Professionals
- Study and Research Skills for Eye Care Professionals
- Glaucoma Foundation
- Glaucoma 1
- Legal Aspects of UK Optometry
- Management of Tear Film Disorders
- Evidence-based Eye Care and Clinical Audit
- Primary Eye Care Update: Theory
- Primary Eye Care Update: Practical
- Leadership Skills for Optical Professionals
- Medical Retina
- Cataract and Refractive Surgery
- Anterior Segment: Clinical Examination and Management
- Study and Research Skills for Eye Care Professionals 2
- Clinical Teaching, Education and Assessment
- Glaucoma 2
- Glaucoma 3
- Paediatric Eye Care 2: Practice
- Ocular Therapeutics for Minor Eye Conditions
- Contact Lenses 1
Year two
Optional modules
- Low Vision 1: Theory
- Low Vision 2: Practical
- Acute Eye Care in Optometry 1
- Acute Eye Care in Optometry 2
- Paediatric Optometry
- Study and Research Skills for Eye Care Professionals
- Glaucoma Foundation
- Glaucoma 1
- Legal Aspects of UK Optometry
- Management of Tear Film Disorders
- Evidence-based Eye Care and Clinical Audit
- Primary Eye Care Update: Theory
- Primary Eye Care Update: Practical
- Leadership Skills for Optical Professionals
- Medical Retina
- Cataract and Refractive Surgery
- Anterior Segment: Clinical Examination and Management
- Study and Research Skills for Eye Care Professionals 2
- Clinical Teaching, Education and Assessment
- Glaucoma 2
- Paediatric Eye Care 2: Practice
- Ocular Therapeutics for Minor Eye Conditions
- Contact Lenses 1
Scholarships & funding
For more information about scholarships, please visit the university website.
Tuition
For more information about tuition fee, please visit the university website.
Qualification
What skills will I practise and develop?
By fully engaging in this course, you should be able to:
- Critically evaluate knowledge at the forefront of a range of disciplines within optometry.
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge in your chosen specialist field.
- Understand the need for evidence-based practice in optometry.
- Search for appropriate evidence within the field to support your professional development.
- Appreciate the role for optometrists in provision of enhanced services in the community.
You should also be able to practise and develop the following skills:
Academic
- The ability to search for appropriate information to support their learning.
- The ability to critically evaluate such information.
- Experimental design.
- Data collection and analysis.
Subject specific
- Clinical decision making with management of glaucoma patients.
- Higher levels of professional skill and knowledge.
- Working in peer groups as part of a mentoring system for students in hospital placements.
Generic/employability
- Independent learning skills
- Time management
- Project management
- Problem solving
- Communication and presentation skills.
Career paths
The aim of the course is to provide eye care professionals with the skills required to successfully oversee ophthalmic services, with the opportunity to become effective leaders within the sector, and with a comprehensive overview of their legal obligations in optometric practice in the UK.
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About this institute
Cardiff University
Cardiff University is among the top 25 universities in the UK and is ranked 166th in the world. Founded in 1883, Cardiff University combines a prestigious heritage with impressive modern facilities, on one of the most beautiful campuses in the UK....
Contact info
Cardiff University
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