Advanced Clinical Practice in Ocular Health

Program Overview

The MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice in Ocular Health at Aston University is a part-time, online program designed for healthcare professionals in ophthalmology seeking to advance their careers. The program covers a range of topics in ocular health, including medical retina, glaucoma, and advanced cataracts. Graduates will be prepared to work in primary and secondary care settings, and will be eligible for advanced clinical practice roles. The program is aligned with frameworks recognized by the NHS and other professional organizations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice in Ocular Health is a program designed for nurses, optometrists, and orthoptists working in the field of ophthalmology who wish to progress to advanced clinical practitioners.
• Objectives:
• Provide opportunities for students to realize their academic potential.
• Develop a passion for ocular health and an enthusiasm for learning.
• Enhance complex clinical decision-making skills and knowledge in ocular health diagnosis and management.
• Develop expertise in specific areas of ocular health as defined by the Ophthalmic Common Competency Framework (OCCCF).
• Program Description:
• An engaging and practical program focused on developing advanced clinical skills and knowledge in ocular health.
• Designed to work around students' current clinical roles (part-time and distance learning).
• Aligned with the Multi-Professional Framework for Advanced Clinical Practice and the Ophthalmology Common Clinical Competency framework.
• Can be completed as a Masters or with exit points at PG certificate or PG diploma levels.

Outline:

• Content: The program covers a range of topics, including:
• Ocular Anatomy
• Medical Retina
• Glaucoma
• Acute and Emergency Ophthalmology
• Advanced Cataracts
• Ocular Therapeutics
• Myopia
• Nutrition and the Eye
• Structure:
• Taught stage modules (80 credits):
• Core modules (60 credits)
• Optional modules (20 credits) - choices depend on individual professional background (optometrists, orthoptists, or nurses) with either a prescribing or non-prescribing route.
• Dissertation stage modules (40 credits)
• Modules:
• Core modules:
• Medical Retina (20 credits)
• Glaucoma (20 credits)
• Advanced Cataracts (15 credits)
• Acute and Emergency Ophthalmology (15 credits)
• Principles of Advanced Practice (10 credits)
• Optional modules (depending on professional background and chosen route):
• Ocular Anatomy and Essential Ophthalmic Investigative Techniques (20 credits)
• Advanced Ophthalmology and Medical Skills (20 credits)
• Ocular Therapeutics 1 (20 credits)
• Prescribing Disorders of the Eye (20 credits)
• General Ocular Therapeutics (20 credits)
• Ageing Eye Management (20 credits)
• Dissertation stage:
• Advanced Clinical Practice Portfolio and Service Project (40 credits)
• Schedule: The program is delivered part-time and online, with flexible learning options to accommodate students' current clinical roles.

Assessment:

• Assessment methods:
• Online tests
• MCQ tests
• On-campus workshops with associated OSCEs
• Coursework completion of case records (mandatory for some modules)

Teaching:

• Teaching style: Modern and innovative, hands-on approach that bridges the gap between theory and practice.
• Faculty: Diverse staff with years of industry collaboration providing real-world focused learning.
• Unique approaches: Clinical Skills Workshops available to students sponsored by Optegra and AbbVie.

Careers:

• Career prospects:
• Opportunity to develop into Advanced Clinical Practice roles to meet current demand.
• Graduates will be prepared to work in:
• Primary care
• Secondary care
• Ophthalmology
• Aligns with frameworks recognized by the NHS, The Royal College of Ophthalmologists, The College of Optometrists, The British and Irish Orthoptics Society, and the Royal College of Nursing.

Other:

• International students welcome.
• Opportunities for professional work placements.
• Close links with businesses and industries.
• Part of a diverse and welcoming community at Aston University.

Summary:

The MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice in Ocular Health appears to be a comprehensive and well-designed program for healthcare professionals seeking to advance their careers in ophthalmology. With its flexible learning format, engaging curriculum, and strong industry connections, this program offers a valuable opportunity for students to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to become successful Advanced Clinical Practitioners.

UK students(2024/25) Annual tuition fees: £9,750 International students(2024/25) Annual tuition fees: £20,700