Master of Optometry with Preliminary Year

Program Overview

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The Master of Optometry with Preliminary Year program at Cardiff University is a comprehensive 5-year program that equips students with the knowledge and skills to become registered optometrists in the UK. The program combines theoretical instruction, laboratory work, clinical practice, and research opportunities, providing students with a thorough understanding of the human visual system and the ability to diagnose and manage a wide range of ocular and visual system disorders. Graduates are highly sought after in the field of optometry and are well-prepared for a successful career in primary care, hospital, industrial, academic, or research settings.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Master of Optometry with Preliminary Year (5 year) programme is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to become registered optometrists in the UK. It incorporates a foundation year followed by the 4-year MOptom program. The foundation year introduces students to the scientific background and basic clinical experience needed for success in the subsequent years of the program.

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Objectives:

• Provide students with a thorough understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and optics of the human visual system.
• Equip students with the skills necessary to conduct comprehensive eye examinations and diagnose and manage a wide range of ocular and visual system disorders.
• Develop students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills to enable them to make independent clinical decisions.
• Foster a commitment to ethical and professional practice in accordance with the General Optical Council (GOC) standards.
• Prepare graduates for registration as optometrists with the GOC and for a successful career in the field of optometry.

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Program Description:

The program is delivered through a combination of theoretical instruction, laboratory work, clinical practice, and research opportunities. Students will have access to Cardiff University's dedicated £22 million optometry facility, equipped with modern clinical equipment and an in-house eye clinic. The program also includes an extended period of supervised clinical learning in practice, organized by the College of Optometrists.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

The program covers a wide range of topics related to optometry, including:

• Anatomy and physiology of the eye and visual system
• Optics and refraction
• Binocular vision and oculomotor skills
• Pathology and management of ocular and visual system disorders
• Pharmacology and therapeutics
• Contact lenses
• Low vision rehabilitation
• Public health and primary care

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Program Structure:

• Year 1: Introduction to clinical optometric practice, biological science for optometry, human body and mind, physical science for optometry
• Year 2: Further eye examination, advanced visual correction, pathology and management
• Year 3: Primary care, enhanced services (including professional certificates in low vision and glaucoma), and first part of learning in practice
• Year 4: Second part of learning in practice, clinical learning in practice 1 and 2, professional certificate in medical retina, and advanced clinical specialist studies electives

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Modules:

Each year consists of various compulsory modules with specific learning outcomes.

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Year 1:

• Eye Examination (40 credits)
• Visual Correction (30 credits)
• The Eye (30 credits)
• Being a Professional (20 credits)

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Year 2:

• Further Eye Examination (40 credits)
• Advanced Visual Correction (40 credits)
• Pathology and Management (40 credits)

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Year 3:

• Primary Care (40 credits)
• Enhanced Services (20 credits)
• Clinical Learning in Practice 1 (40 credits)

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Year 4:

• Clinical Learning in Practice 2 (40 credits)
• Professional Certificate in Medical Retina (20 credits)

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Learning in Practice:

Students will spend a total of 44 weeks in supervised clinical placements, organized by the College of Optometrists. These placements will take place in optometry settings across the UK and will provide students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge and clinical skills to real-world patient cases.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Written examinations
• Assignments
• Case reports
• Portfolios
• Projects
• Presentations
• Structured oral assessments
• Observation of clinical practice

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Assessment Criteria:

The program aligns with the 7 domains specified by the GOC for optometric practice:

• Person-centred care
• Communication
• Clinical practice
• Ethics and standards
• Risk
• Leadership and management
• Lifelong learning

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Feedback:

Students will receive regular feedback on their performance throughout the program. This feedback will be used to help students improve their understanding of the material and develop their clinical skills.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The program utilizes diverse teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Laboratory sessions
• Clinical skills workshops
• Online learning modules
• Guest lectures from experts in the field

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Faculty:

The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified optometrists, researchers, and clinicians. The faculty is committed to providing students with a high-quality learning experience and supporting their academic and professional development.

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Unique Approaches:

The program incorporates several unique approaches to teaching and learning:

• Integrated curriculum: Theoretical instruction is interwoven with clinical practice from the start of the program.
• Real-life clinical experience: Students have access to the University's on-site eye clinics and gain experience working with patients from diverse backgrounds.
• Student-centered learning: Students are encouraged to take an active role in their learning and are supported by a personal tutor throughout the program.
• Research-informed teaching: The program is informed by the latest research in the field of optometry.
• Extended learning in practice: Students spend a significant amount of time in supervised clinical placements, allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.

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Careers:

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Career Prospects:

Graduates of the program are in high demand and can pursue various career paths in the field of optometry, including:

• Primary care optometrist
• Hospital optometrist
• Industrial optometrist
• Academic optometrist
• Researcher

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Graduate Outcomes:

• 98% of graduates were in highly skilled jobs 15 months after the course ended.
• The program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills required to become registered optometrists with the GOC and work in the UK.
• Graduates are also well-prepared for further studies or research careers in the field of optometry.

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Other:

• The program is accredited by the General Optical Council (GOC).

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Fees for home status

We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase.

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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. 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 salaried clinical learning in practice. One day each week whilst on 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.