Professional Certificate in Low Vision
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-06-05 | - |
Program Overview
This professional certificate program in Low Vision equips optometrists with advanced knowledge and skills in assessing and managing visual impairment. Through blended learning and practical assessments, participants gain expertise in assistive technologies, rehabilitation techniques, and the psychosocial aspects of visual impairment. Upon completion, graduates can pursue specialized careers in hospitals, community settings, or private practice.
Program Outline
Professional Certificate in Low Vision
Degree Overview:
This professional development course is designed for qualified optometrists who want to specialize in visual impairment and update their knowledge on recent developments in the field, particularly related to assistive technology. Upon completion, participants will be able to assess and manage a variety of visually impaired people in both hospital and community settings.
Program Objectives:
- Enhance participants' knowledge of low-vision assessment and management.
- Equip participants with the latest information on assistive technologies relevant to visual impairment.
- Enable participants to effectively assess and manage visually impaired patients in diverse settings.
- Provide participants with the skills and knowledge to expand their practice scope and work in hospital settings.
Outline:
Term 3
(Dates To Be Confirmed):
Content:
- Definitions and epidemiology of visual impairment
- Registration and certification process in the UK, including benefits
- Assessing visual performance and refracting patients with visual impairment
- Organizations involved in low-vision care in the UK and different service modules
- Optics of low-vision devices
- Prescription and dispensing of optical, non-optical, and electronic aids
- Rehabilitation techniques like eccentric viewing and steady eye fixation strategy
- Use of contrast and lighting to optimize performance in visually impaired people
- Children and visual impairment, including relevant laws related to service provision
- Optometric management of visually impaired patients, including children
- Psychosocial effects of visual impairment and management strategies
Structure:
- Blended learning approach: online reading and course materials followed by two days of face-to-face teaching.
- Materials provided approximately four weeks before the course.
- Two-day teaching session held consecutively.
Assessment:
- Multiple-choice question paper (30% of overall mark)
- Practical skills assessment (OSCE) (50% of overall mark)
- 2,000-word written assignment (20% of overall mark)
- All assessments take place approximately eight weeks after the two-day course.
- Minimum passing mark for each assessment: 50%
Teaching:
- Experienced low-vision practitioners deliver the course.
- Blended learning format combines online resources with in-person instruction.
Careers:
Graduates can pursue specialized careers in low-vision care within:
- Hospitals
- Community-based settings
- Private practice
Other:
- This 15-credit course can contribute toward a University degree or award.
- Participants receive a professional and academic qualification:
- College of Optometrists accredited professional certificate in low vision
- 15 postgraduate credits (contributing to an MSc in Clinical Optometry)
- CET points
Additional Information:
- Course start date and location are unconfirmed.
- Registration interest is currently open.
Instructor:
Dr. Ahalya Subramanian, Senior Lecturer, with expertise in improving the quality of life for visually impaired people and assistive technology.
Please note:
Some sections, like "Term 3 Dates," are currently unavailable due to unconfirmed details.
City University of London
Overview:
City, University of London is a public research university located in London, England. It is known for its focus on business, practice, and the professions, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The university is renowned for its strong academic reputation and its commitment to providing students with a high-quality learning experience.
Services Offered:
City University of London provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Library Services:
Access to extensive library resources, including books, journals, databases, and online resources.Moodle:
An online learning platform for accessing course materials, submitting assignments, and communicating with instructors.Email:
A university-provided email account for official communication.Staff Directory:
A searchable directory of staff members and their contact information.Term Dates:
Information on the academic year and term dates.Room Booking:
A system for booking rooms on campus for meetings, events, and other purposes.Schools and Departments:
Information on the various schools and departments within the university.Student Life and Campus Experience:
City University of London offers a vibrant and diverse student experience, with a strong emphasis on:
London Experience:
The university's location in London provides students with access to a wide range of cultural, social, and professional opportunities.Sports:
A variety of sports clubs and facilities are available for students to participate in, both competitively and non-competitively.Social Activities and Groups:
Numerous student societies and groups cater to diverse interests, providing opportunities for social interaction and personal development.Student Wellbeing:
The university offers a range of support services to ensure students' health and wellbeing, including learning support, personal tutoring, and counseling.Career Development:
The university provides career guidance and support services to help students prepare for their future careers.Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Academic Reputation:
City University of London is consistently ranked highly in national and international rankings.Focus on Business, Practice, and the Professions:
The university's programs are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers.Location in London:
The university's location in the heart of London provides students with access to a wealth of opportunities.Vibrant Student Life:
City University of London offers a diverse and engaging student experience.Excellent Career Support:
The university provides comprehensive career guidance and support services.Academic Programs:
City University of London offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Business and Management:
Bayes Business School is renowned for its programs in finance, accounting, marketing, and entrepreneurship.Law:
The City Law School is a leading institution for legal education, offering programs in law, international law, and legal practice.Health and Psychological Sciences:
The School of Health & Psychological Sciences offers programs in nursing, midwifery, psychology, and other health-related fields.Science and Technology:
The School of Science & Technology offers programs in computer science, engineering, mathematics, and other STEM fields.Communication and Creativity:
The School of Communication & Creativity offers programs in journalism, media, performing arts, and language studies.Other:
Merger with St George's:
City University of London has merged with St George's, University of London, forming a new institution called City St George's, University of London.Awards and Accreditations:
The university has received numerous awards and accreditations for its teaching, research, and commitment to equality and diversity.Global City:
City University of London is a global institution with a strong international presence.University of London:
City University of London is a member of the University of London, a federation of 18 independent colleges and institutes.Entry Requirements
UK/EU Applicants
Academic Qualifications:
- Applicants typically require a first degree with at least a 2:2 (lower second class) honours degree in optometry.
Overseas Applicants
Academic Qualifications:
- Overseas optometrists are also considered, but their undergraduate syllabus and clinical responsibilities should be similar to those of a UK optometrist. The provided text does not include information about the language proficiency requirements for this course.
Additional Notes
- Applicants should normally be UK-registered optometrists fulfilling legal requirements to practice in the UK.
- Additional information regarding exemptions, credits and equivalencies can be found on the course page.
