Optometry with Independent Prescribing MOptom

What is special about this course?

There is growing demand for optometrists, highly skilled healthcare professionals, trained to examine the eyes to detect defects in vision, signs of injury, ocular diseases or abnormalities. Through this innovative, interactive integrated MOptom Optometry and Integrative Prescribing*, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills you need to work as an optometrist.

Our progressive course follows a patient-based and team-based approach to your learning and teaching. Through this method, you will gain in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical experience, and develop key skills including critical thinking, problem solving, patient management, and independent prescribing.

Practical teaching within clinical workshops is delivered in modern, purpose-built facilities in Inverness. In years 1-4, you will undertake a total of 19 weeks of placements in community practice and hospital eye clinics, alongside clinical skills training.

In year 5, you will spend your entire year on placement, with two 6-month placements in different types of practices. This time also includes the practical placements required for independent prescribing. 

On successful completion of the modules and assessments you will be eligible for the GOC register as an optometrist and also with the specialist qualification of Independent Prescribing.

*subject to validation

Special features

• Uses a proven, problem-based and team-based learning curriculum approach that extends the training and role of the optometrist, particularly in remote and rural areas
• Taught by a professional team of clinical and academic staff
• Based at UHI House in Inverness, you will have access to specialist on-site clinical facilities
• Taught face-to-face supported by online content in the virtual learning environment, with extensive clinical skills training, case studies and scenarios, complemented by community and hospital placements
• Clinical placements across all years of study, helping to consolidate learning and enabling early and continuous exposure to real patients

Entry requirements

• 4 Scottish Highers at grade ABBB which must include 2 science subjects out of the following - physics, biology or human biology, chemistry, mathematics 
  • For those without mathematics or physics at higher, National 5 mathematics or National 5 Applications of mathematics at grade B or above or standard grade mathematics (grade 2) level or above
  • English at higher is preferred, although other essay-based subjects such as history or modern studies would be accepted as an alternative. For those without English higher, or equivalent, then National 5 English at grade B or above or standard grade English (grade 2) level or above
• 3 A levels at BBB which must include 2 science subjects out of the following - physics, biology or human biology, chemistry, mathematics 
  • For those without mathematics or physics at A level, then GCSE mathematics at a minimum of grade B/6 is required
  • For those without English at A level, then GCSE English Language at minimum grade B/6 is required
• A science-based HNC such as HNC Applied Sciences with grade B or above in the graded unit
• Applicants with a recognised qualification in ophthalmic dispensing such as FBDO may also apply and will be considered on an individual basis
• Recognised European or International equivalent qualifications are considered. If English is not your first language, you must have evidence of your English language skills:
• You must have obtained a minimum score of 7 in the academic International English language Testing System (IELTS) or equivalent. Individual scores for each section of the test must not be lower than 6.5, with the exception of the ‘Speaking’ section, where a minimum score of 7 is required.
  • Please note that English language tests need to have been taken no more than two years prior to the start date of the course
• This is a Category 1 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required to successfully achieve target qualification, where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in key elements of the course. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage
• Successful applicants must be passed fit by occupational health. This will require a questionnaire and also a personal visit to the occupational health department in addition to and on a separate occasion to the interview day
• All applicants will be required to attend an interview. Full guidelines will be provided in advance of the interview. As part of the interview you will be expected to demonstrate the following:
  • A genuine interest in the care of patients and demonstration of care ‘values’
  • Team working ability
  • Good verbal and written communication skills
  • IT experience eg. Word processing packages, email and using the internet
  • A high level of commitment due to the intensive nature of this academic and clinical degree programme
• Successful applicants will be required to obtain registration as a student with General Optical Council in order to undertake this course

CertHE

You will study the following core modules:

• Foundations of clinical practice
• Introduction to clinical optometry
• Introduction to optometry business skills
• Principles of optics 
• Structure and function of the visual pathway
• Study skills for optometrists

DipHE

You will study the following core modules:

• Clinical case studies 1
• Clinical case studies 2
• Clinical optometry 1
• Clinical optometry 2
• Management and therapeutics 1
• Management and therapeutics 2

BSc

You will study the following core modules:

• Clinical case studies 3 
• Clinical case studies 4
• Clinical optometry 3
• Literature review
• Management and therapeutics 3
• Management and therapeutics 4

BSc (Hons)

You will study the following core modules:

• Advanced optometric studies
• Community optometry
• Dissertation
• Management and therapeutics 5

MOptom

You will study the following core modules:

• Foundations of clinical practice
• Introduction to clinical optometry
• Introduction to optometry business skills
• Principles of optics 
• Structure and function of the visual pathway
• Study skills for optometrists

Fees

For information on costs of this course please contact the campus where you wish to study.

Funding

UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.

Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.

Additional costs

Travel and accommodation costs for clinical placements, located across the Scottish region:

• Clinical tunic and badge for wearing to clinical skills sessions (approx £25)
• Optometry equipment (retinoscope, ophthalmoscope, volk lens) at an estimated cost of £1500 (the optometry team will provide opportunites for the purchase of discounted equipment directly from suppliers). Equipment optional in years one and two, but compulsory for year three
• Supplementary items (pen torch, frame ruler, occluder etc) cost approximately £50 and are to be purchased prior to the commencement of clinical skills in semester two, year one
• It is a requirement of your studies that you maintain student registration with the General Optical Council for the duration of your studies (currently £30 per year)
• You will also be required to cover the cost of a PVG check (approx £60)