Program Overview

Introduction to the MOptom (Hons) Optometry Program

The MOptom (Hons) Optometry program at the University of Plymouth is a forward-thinking, clinically focused degree that equips students with the core skills, confidence, and industry experience necessary for success as a registered optometrist.

Program Details

• The program is fully approved by the General Optical Council (GOC).
• It is designed to help students develop the necessary knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of optometry, including visual perception, geometric and physical optics, and clinical optometry skills.
• The program consists of four years of study, with a combination of theoretical and practical learning, including placements in various optometric settings.

Year 1

In the first year, students focus on learning the basic scientific principles of optometry and begin developing the clinical skills essential to the profession. Core modules include:

• Visual Perception (20 credits)
• Geometric and Physical Optics (10 credits)
• Visual Optics and Ophthalmic Lenses (20 credits)
• Anatomy and Physiology (20 credits)
• Clinical Optometry Skills (20 credits)
• Preparation for Practice (20 credits)
• Interprofessional Learning 1

Year 2

In the second year, students learn about advanced ophthalmic examination and study ocular diseases and pharmacology in more detail. Core modules include:

• Project Studies (20 credits)
• Paediatric and Binocular Vision (20 credits)
• Clinical Optometry Skills and Refractive Management (30 credits)
• Specialist Optometry Skills (20 credits)
• Introduction to Pathology and Therapeutics (30 credits)
• Interprofessional Learning 2

Year 3

In the third year, students continue developing confidence and clinical skills by working directly with real patients at the University's Centre for Eye Care Excellence optometry practice. Core modules include:

• Project (20 credits)
• General Optometric Practice (30 credits)
• Specialist Optometric Practice (30 credits)
• Enhanced Pathology and Therapeutics (20 credits)
• Clinical Case Management in Optometry (20 credits)

Final Year

In the final year, students undertake a 44-week placement where they hone their clinical skills. Core modules include:

• Clinical Optometric Learning in Practice 1 (40 credits)
• Clinical Optometric Learning in Practice 2 (40 credits) Optional modules are also available, including Glaucoma, Medical Retina, Acute and Emergency Eye Care, and Cataract.

Experience

The program provides hands-on learning experiences, including placements in various optometric settings and the opportunity to work with real patients at the Centre for Eye Care Excellence. Students also have the chance to participate in interprofessional learning with other healthcare students.

Careers

Optometry graduates find employment in a diverse range of roles, including high street practices, hospitals, laser and refractive surgery, community practice, and specialist fields such as glaucoma care. The program has a strong track record of graduate employment, with 90% of graduates going on to work or further study.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the program are Ł9,790 per year for UK students and Ł19,200 per year for international students. Additional costs include an annual fee for registration with the General Optical Council and the cost of an optometry kit.

Entry Requirements

The typical offer for the program is 128 UCAS points, with a range of qualifications accepted, including A levels, BTEC, and Access to HE Diploma. English language requirements also apply, with an IELTS score of 7.0 overall required for international students.

Application and Admission

Applications for the program are made through UCAS, and applicants are required to attend an online interview and complete satisfactory screening in terms of health, welfare, and disclosure and barring processes. Deferred entry is not permitted, but applicants can apply for a foundation year or other routes to the program.