Program Overview

Introduction to the MOptom (Hons) Optometry Program

The MOptom (Hons) Optometry program offers students an exciting opportunity to engage with their future profession and apply their learning in a real-world context. From the outset, students are introduced to working with patients and encouraged to think like healthcare professionals.

Placement Experience

The program includes practice placements in the first, second, and fourth years, as well as hospital experience in the third and fourth years. These placements provide students with valuable insights into their chosen career and help them develop the clinical ability and confidence required to become successful clinicians.

Year 1 Placement

• The first-year placement is a 1-week placement where students build confidence in communicating with colleagues and patients.
• Students gain an awareness of how an optometry practice is run and participate in reflective learning to get the most out of their experience.

Year 2 Placement

• The second-year placement is also a 1-week placement, mainly spent with a fully qualified optometrist working in practice.
• Students observe the full patient journey and learn about optometric management of a range of cases.

Year 3 Placement

• Ongoing Clinical Practice at CEE: The Centre for Eyecare Excellence (CEE) is a fully functioning optometric practice where members of the public are offered eye examinations and contact-lens appointments with third-year student optometrists under the direct supervision of qualified staff.
• Students build confidence in translating theory into practice and demonstrating the range of skills needed to work as an optometrist.
• They focus on a range of clinical specialties, such as contact lenses, low vision, myopia control, and pediatrics, while learning how to effectively manage and dispense each of these groups.
• Hospital Placement: A 1- or 2-day hospital placement where students see the management and treatment of a range of pathology and observe various hospital procedures.

Year 4 Placement

• In the fourth and final year, students undertake a 44-week Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP) placement.
• They work in clinical practice under the supervision of a Registered Optometrist, honing their clinical skills.

Placement Learning Support

The university provides comprehensive support for students undertaking practice placements, ensuring they have everything needed to succeed in their clinical experiences.

Student Testimonial

A student, Samia, shared her positive experience with her placement week at Specsavers, highlighting the welcoming environment, the opportunity to see firsthand how the optometry practice worked, and the chance to observe various conditions and emergency cases.

Conclusion

The MOptom (Hons) Optometry program at the University of Plymouth offers a comprehensive and supportive learning environment, combining theoretical knowledge with extensive practical experience. This approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to enter the optometry profession with confidence and competence.