Master of Optometry

Program Overview

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The Master of Optometry (MOptom) program at Cardiff University is a four-year full-time program that equips students with the scientific and clinical knowledge and skills needed to register as an optometrist with the General Optical Council (GOC). The program offers a modern integrated curriculum, combining scientific theory with real-life clinical eye care practice, and emphasizes early clinical exposure, evidence-based practice, and a focus on developing autonomous and responsible optometrists. Graduates are eligible to register with the GOC and practice as optometrists in the UK, with diverse career options available.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The Master of Optometry (MOptom) program at Cardiff University is a four-year full-time program designed to equip students with the scientific and clinical knowledge and skills needed to register as an optometrist with the General Optical Council (GOC). The program offers a modern integrated curriculum, combining scientific theory with real-life clinical eye care practice.

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Objectives:

• The program aims to develop students into autonomous and responsible optometrists capable of managing a wide range of optical and medical eye problems.
• It emphasizes early clinical exposure, starting from Year 1, in the School's on-site ophthalmic clinics.
• The program focuses on evidence-based practice, teaching students how to use clinical and scientific research to improve patient outcomes.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Focuses on foundational knowledge and skills, including:
• Eye examination
• Visual correction
• The eye
• Professionalism
• Legal and ethical aspects of optometry

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Year 2:

• Builds upon Year 1 studies, with increased responsibility for patient care.
• Subjects include:
• Further eye examination
• Advanced visual correction
• Pathology and management
• Pharmacology and ocular drug treatments
• Law, ethics, and risk management

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Year 3:

• Divided into two halves:
• First half:
• Focuses on advanced clinical practice and study of eye disease and management.
• Includes time in the community and specialist clinics under direct supervision.
• Second half:
• First part of the "learning in practice" experience, organized by the College of Optometrists.
• Allows students to apply their skills in a real-world optometry setting.

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Year 4:

• Divided into two halves:
• First half:
• Second part of the "learning in practice" experience.
• Continued focus on real-world application of skills.
• Second half:
• Completion of advanced clinical specialist studies in a compulsory 40-credit clinical module.
• Choice of a 20-credit optional module in research, clinical practice, or advanced vision science.

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Assessment:

• The program utilizes both formative and summative assessments to gauge student progress and achievement.
• Assessments are designed to align with the seven domains specified by the GOC:
• Person-centered care
• Communication
• Clinical practice
• Ethics and standards
• Risk
• Leadership and management
• Lifelong learning
• Assessment methods include:
• Written examinations and assignments
• Case reports
• Reflections
• Online assessments
• Portfolios
• Projects
• Presentations
• Structured oral assessments
• Observation of clinical practice

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Teaching:

• The program boasts a team of internationally renowned and qualified researchers and clinicians.
• Teaching methods include:
• Tutorials
• Case-based learning
• Lectures and seminars
• Laboratory and clinical skills sessions
• Students are supported by:
• Personal tutors
• Senior personal tutors
• Financial support services
• Support for students with disabilities

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Careers:

• Graduates of the program are eligible to register with the GOC and practice as optometrists in the UK.
• There are diverse career options available, including positions in:
• Hospital eye service
• Community practice
• Voluntary sector
• Optical industry
• Research
• Teaching in the UK and internationally
• The program also prepares students for potential work or training abroad.
• Graduates can choose to pursue further qualifications, such as independent prescribing optometrist.

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Other:

• The program boasts a £22 million optometry facility with an in-built eye clinic.
• The program offers a vibrant Student-Staff panel and active student participation in program development.

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Fees for home status

We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

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Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland

We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. There is a fee payable for both of these. A £250 deposit is required for this equipment and will be fully refunded at the end of the programme provided the equipment is returned in good order. During Year 4 you will undertake a period of clinical learning in practice. you will need to consider associated accommodation and travel costs. One day each week whilst learning in practice away from the University, you will undertake distance learning, therefore you will need access to IT equipment to join webinars and other online teaching activities.

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Accommodation

We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget.

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Living costs

We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.