Optometry* MOptom (Hons)

You are introduced to anatomy and pathophysiology relevant to optometry professionals. Explore the structures, functions, and biochemical processes that constitute the human body, and gain insight into how diseases disrupt these normal functions. By examining the intricate relationship between anatomy and disease, you develop a solid foundation for deeper exploration in further years of study.

Gain the essential knowledge to confidently administer and interpret a range of optometric tests, laying the foundation for conducting routine eye examinations. The principles of professionalism, ethical considerations, and safe practice in optometry are introduced. The importance of multidisciplinary teamwork and effective communication skills are highlighted to encourage a patient-centred approach to eye care.

Explore a range of essential skills and instruments integral to optometric practice. Gain a comprehensive foundation to master the investigative techniques crucial for optometric diagnosis and patient care.

Optical dispensing theory and practice are introduced, including ophthalmic lenses and in-depth knowledge on the various types of lenses, their designs, and how to select the most suitable lenses to meet individual patient needs. Theory is complemented by hands-on dispensing practice as you learn to accurately measure and fit glasses, ensuring optimal visual correction and comfort for patients. The need for effective communication in the dispensing process is emphasised, prompting you to develop strong interpersonal skills and empathy for a patient’s visual needs.

Focus on interprofessional learning across four main areas. Sharpen your academic skills including writing and referencing and delve into evidence-based practice principles and their application in current health and social care policies. Gain an introduction to research processes and methodologies and develop your professional behaviour to prepare you for future practice demands. Learn the concepts of continuous professional development and lifelong learning, essential for maintaining registration with the General Optical Council.

You explore the physiological and psychological aspects that contribute to our perception of the visual environment. Unravel the complexities of the visual system through comprehensive study of physiology of vison, colour vison, visual perception, and geometric optics.

Develop your ability to recognise and comprehend abnormal anterior eye conditions. Learn to differentiate between abnormal and normal ocular features, and understand the causes, consequences, and necessary referral processes for the effective management of different anterior eye conditions.

Explore advanced neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and sensorimotor processing within the visual system. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the intricate mechanisms that govern binocular vision. Gain insight into various binocular vision abnormalities and their respective management strategies.

Study the underlying theory of contact lenses, and gain essential knowledge on the physical properties, lens design and manufacturing methods. Learn the principles of selecting suitable contact lenses tailored to individual patient needs and ocular characteristics. Explore various lens types, materials, and designs to optimise comfort, visual acuity, and overall ocular health for contact lens wearers. Learn the techniques and examinations for precise fitting, considering factors like corneal topography, tear film evaluation, and lens centration. Understand how to address common challenges related to contact lens wear and manage potential complications. Gain experience performing contact lens fitting and aftercare routines.

Gain practical experience in routine eye examinations, refining essential optometric techniques. Enhance your communication skills, record keeping proficiency, and learn to write effective referrals. Sharpen your ability to arrive at a differential diagnosis from a patient’s case history. You are also introduced to the fundamentals of paediatric testing, ensuring a well-rounded skill set for diverse optometric scenarios.

Gain the essential knowledge and skills for optometrists to proficiently select, perform and interpret outcomes from a diverse range of clinical techniques. Explore a variety of specialised diagnostic tools and techniques commonly used in optometry, empowering you to conduct comprehensive assessments of a patient’s ocular health.

Develop the expertise to identify and understand abnormal posterior eye conditions. Learn to distinguish between normal and abnormal ocular features, and focus on the origins, implications, and essential referral protocols for the effective management of posterior eye conditions.

Develop your knowledge and skills learned in year 2. Gain the underpinning clinical reasoning and communication skills to fit more complex forms of contact lenses and develop an understanding of emerging contact lens practice. Experience fitting patients with contact lenses in our optometry clinic.

Understand the dynamic and evolving role of optometrists in the modern healthcare landscape. You cover occupational health, legal aspects of practice, key industry drivers, and technological enhancements that shape contemporary optometry. Delve into the legal and ethical frameworks governing optometric practice, ensuring compliance with professional standards and regulations. Learn about various career pathways within optometry, and insights into owning and managing an optometric business or providing domiciliary testing services. Gain underlying theoretical knowledge and practical skills to assess and manage patients with low vision.

You are assessed in your ability to complete a routine eye examination and demonstrate critical clinical decision-making to complete a holistic, individual ocular management plan. Your logbook allows you to record patient interactions and reflect on these experiences.

Learn the principles of drug action with a focus on the autonomic pharmacology of the eye. Topics include drug formulation and design, contraindications of ocular medications, ocular injections, contact lens solutions, and ocular side-effects of systemic medication. You address legislation, the ophthalmic drug formulary, adverse drug reactions, independent prescribing, and drug disposal. This is a concise and comprehensive exploration of pharmacological management in optometry practice.

You select an area of clinical practice and conduct in-depth individual research, critically evaluating the potential impact on patient care and overall optometric practice. You enhance your critical thinking, research, and communication skills.

Explore advanced topics in optometric practice, including advanced binocular vision abnormalities and caring for patients with additional needs. You also focus on paediatric testing, visual development, and congenital ocular conditions, giving you a comprehensive understanding of specialised optometric techniques for diverse patient populations.

Designed to integrate and apply knowledge from all four years of the course, you engage in discussions around diverse case studies, where your unique perspective and insights contribute to the collective learning experience. Together, you analyse complex scenarios, drawing on your knowledgebase to formulate comprehensive management plans. Apply your theoretical understanding into practical, real-world applications, fostering critical thinking, and enhancing your decision-making skills, crucial for professional optometric practice.

Further develop your clinical testing and management skills under supervision in a clinical placement setting, typically a community optometry practice or hospital eye department. Delivered by the College of Optometrists.

This clinical practice programme further develops your clinical testing and management skills under supervision in a clinical placement setting, typically a community optometry practice or hospital eye department. Ensure you can work effectively and efficiently in the clinical environment, addressing equality, diversity and inclusion issues and delivering safe and effective testing, management and referral of patients.

Gain in-depth insight into the detection and management of glaucomas and secondary glaucomas. Explore topics including the pathophysiology of these conditions, alongside diagnostic techniques. Delve into treatments such as intraocular pressure management, surgical interventions, and emerging therapies. With a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, you are empowered with the knowledge and skills to excel in the specialised field of glaucoma management.

Gain comprehensive insights into the diagnosis and management of medical retinal conditions. Further your knowledge within the pathophysiology of retinal diseases, diagnostic techniques such as fundus imaging and optical coherence tomography. Gain further understanding of medical retina treatments, including intravitreal injections, laser therapy, and emerging therapies. Learn to manage common retinal disorders such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal vascular diseases. With a focus on evidence-based practice, you are equipped with the knowledge and skills to excel in the field of medical retina.