Optometry - Independent Prescribing
City of London , United Kingdom
Tuition Fee
GBP 1,405
Per year
Start Date
Medium of studying
Blended
Duration
2 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Courses
Major
Optometry
Area of study
Health
Education type
Blended
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 1,405
Intakes
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-05-15 | - |
About Program
Program Overview
This three-module program prepares UK-qualified optometrists to become independent prescribers. It covers principles of therapeutics, prescribing, and advanced skills for independent prescribing. Graduates can be placed on the specialist register of the General Optical Council (GOC) as independent prescribers upon completion. The program offers flexible learning and can contribute to a University degree or award.
Program Outline
Outline
This three-module program aims to prepare UK-qualified optometrists to become independent prescribers. Completion of all modules and a 12-day clinical placement allows graduates to be placed on the specialist register of the General Optical Council (GOC) as an independent prescriber.
Module 1: Principles of Therapeutics (OVM050)
- Explores the principles of therapeutics in optometry.
- Covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology.
Module 2: Principles of Prescribing (OVM058)
- Provides a foundation in the principles of independent prescribing.
- Covers topics such as legal and ethical aspects of prescribing, drug calculations, and adverse drug reactions.
Module 3: Independent Prescribing (OVM053)
- Focuses on the advanced skills and knowledge required for independent prescribing.
- Covers topics such as pharmacology of systemic drugs, evaluation and management of prescribing risks, information systems and clinical decision making support tools, and clinical management plans.
Timetables:
Term 2:
- Online Launch Date: Monday, 29 April 2024
- Online Synchronous Teaching Dates:
- Wednesday, 15 May 2024
- Wednesday, 19 June 2024
- Wednesday, 10 July 2024
- Online Assessment Date: Wednesday, 25 September 2024
Assessment
Module 3:
- Four computer-based assessments combined into two components.
- First component: Key feature problems to test clinical decision making and patient management case scenarios.
- Second component: Multiple choice and short-answer questions.
- Pass mark for both assessments: 50%
- Key feature problems and patient management case scenarios: 60% of overall mark.
- Multiple choice and short-answer questions: 40% of overall mark.
Teaching
Module 3:
- Blended learning with two days of face-to-face teaching.
- Online reading and course materials provided approximately four weeks before the two teaching days.
- Taught by leading clinical experts and practicing independent optometry prescribers.
- Strong support from module leads.
Careers
- Opening up new career options like working in a hospital environment or alongside a local GP.
Other
- This program offers flexible learning to allow you to reach your goals at your own pace.
- It is a credit-bearing module that contributes to a University degree or award.
- This course can be transferred as a module towards a postgraduate taught degree.
- You can offset credits as part of a postgraduate program to obtain a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) 60 credits, Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) 120 credits, or Master of Science (MSc) 180 credits qualification.
- The total credits for this module are 15.
- You can find a list of degrees this module contributes towards here: MSc Clinical Optometry - Master's degree.
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Admission Requirements
Entry Requirements:
EU Home Students:
- Be a UK-qualified optometrist registered with the General Optical Council (GOC).
- Complete, or be in the process of completing, the Principles of Therapeutics module (OVM050).
- Have two years of experience before taking the common final assessment to become an independent optometry prescriber.
- Normally be a UK-registered optometrist satisfying all legal requirements to be eligible to practice in the UK.
- Be registered with the GOC while completing all parts of the training.
International Overseas Students:
- Meet the same requirements as EU Home Students.
- Have an undergraduate syllabus and clinical responsibilities similar to those of a UK optometrist (accepted on an ad-hoc basis).
Additional Requirements:
- Must have completed Module 1: OVM050 - Principles of Therapeutics and Module 2: OVM058 - Principles of Prescribing before starting this module.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
If your first language is not English, you must demonstrate proficiency through one of the following:
- A first degree from a UK university.
- A first degree from an overseas institution recognized by City, University of London, as providing adequate evidence of English proficiency (e.g., institutions from Australia, Canada, or the United States of America).
- International English Language Test Service (IELTS) score of 7.0 with no subtest below 7.0.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) score of 72.
- TOEFL 100 overall with 24 in Writing, 20 in Listening, 19 Reading, and 20 Speaking.
- Other evidence of English proficiency, including registration with your professional regulator, may be accepted.
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