Program Overview

Optometry with Preliminary Year (MOptom)

Introduction

The Master of Optometry with Preliminary Year is a 5-year full-time program designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to register as an optometrist with the General Optical Council. The program combines scientific theory with real-life clinical practice, allowing students to develop their skills and confidence in a supportive and stimulating environment.

Why Study This Course

This program offers a unique opportunity for students to gain a deep understanding of optometry and develop the skills and knowledge required to succeed in this field. With a strong focus on clinical practice and patient care, students will be well-prepared to enter the workforce as confident and competent optometrists.

Entry Requirements

• ABB-BBB at A-level, including a maximum of one science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and Physics.
• 32-31 overall or 665 in 3 HL subjects at International Baccalaureate, including a maximum of one science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and Physics.
• BTEC RQF Extended Diploma in Applied Science with Distinction in each of the Core/Mandatory units.
• Other qualifications, such as the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales, may also be accepted.

Tuition Fees

• For home students: Ł9,535 per year for the preliminary year and years 1-3, with the possibility of an increase in line with any uplift determined by the Welsh government.
• For overseas students: Ł30,700 per year for the preliminary year and years 1-3.

Additional Costs

• Registration with the General Optical Council: approximately Ł30.
• Enhanced DBS check with annual update service: approximately Ł50 for the initial check and Ł16 per year thereafter.
• Optometric kit: approximately Ł250 in Year 1.
• Travel costs for placements: variable, but estimated to be up to Ł45 in Year 1, Ł90 in Year 2, and Ł30 in Year 3.

Course Structure

The program consists of 5 years of full-time study, with 120 credits worth of modules each year. The preliminary year introduces background scientific knowledge and basic clinical experience, while years 1-3 focus on developing clinical optometric practice and studying eye disease and its management. Year 4 consists of Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP) modules, overseen by the College of Optometrists, which provide hands-on experience in an optometry setting.

Preliminary Year

• Introduction to Clinical Optometric Practice (30 credits)
• Biological Science for Optometry (30 credits)
• Physical Science for Optometry (30 credits)
• The Human Eye and Body (30 credits)

Year One

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

Year Two

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

Year Three

• Primary Care (40 credits)
• Enhanced Services (40 credits)
• Professional Certificate in Low Vision (20 credits)
• Research and Evidence-Based Optometry (20 credits)

Year Four

• Clinical Learning in Practice 1 (40 credits)
• Clinical Learning in Practice 2 (40 credits)
• Optional modules, such as Professional Certificate in Medical Retina, Ocular Therapeutics and Pharmacology, or Professional Certificate Glaucoma (20 credits each)

Learning and Assessment

The program uses a range of teaching methods, including tutorials, case-based learning, lectures, and seminars, as well as laboratory and clinical skills sessions. Assessment is designed to demonstrate that students have achieved the standards required by Cardiff University and the General Optical Council, and includes written, computer-based, and oral examinations, case reports, reflections, portfolios, and direct assessment of clinical practice.

Careers and Placements

The program provides students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed as optometrists, with a range of career options available, including primary care optometrist, hospital optometrist, industrial optometrist, and academic optometrist. Placements are available throughout the program, with internal and external observation and clinical placements in years 1-3, and a Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP) placement in year 4.

Graduate Careers

• Optometrist
• Primary Care Optometrist
• Hospital Optometrist
• Industrial Optometrist
• Academic Optometrist
• Researcher

Conclusion

The Master of Optometry with Preliminary Year at Cardiff University is a comprehensive and stimulating program that provides students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to succeed as optometrists. With a strong focus on clinical practice and patient care, this program is an excellent choice for students looking to pursue a career in this field.