Key information, entry requirement and fees
- Credit value: 20 Masters-level credits
- Mode of delivery: Distance learning
- Course type: Standalone module
- Module code: OP4RMD
- Start date: 1 March 2023. Application deadline 25 January 2023
- Number of places available: Varies.
- Duration: 16 weeks
- Time commitment: Although this will depend upon the individual, a typical student can expect to spend up to 200 hours of study in total
- Fees (2022/23): £1,200
- Entry requirement: You must be a clinician in the field of optometry.
- Language requirement: Find out more about our English language requirements.
Course outline and what you will study
This course will provide you with a theoretical background in pathophysiology, detection, assessment and management of patients with disorders of the macula and retina.
Ophthalmologic treatments will be examined, as well as the role of the optometrist in the screening and management of patients with disorders of the macula and retina. New technologies for detection and treatment will be described, and there will be a discussion of how these technologies might fit into optometric practice. The assignment will involve the student building up a series of case reports linking theory to practice.
Topics covered in this module include:
- Retina and macula: structure and function
- Retinal detachment and vitreous disorders
- Retinal vessels: structure and functions
- Retinal venous and arterial disease
- Diabetic retinopathy and screening for diabetic retinopathy
- Age related macular degeneration
- Retina and macular dystrophies
- Systemic disorders and the retina
- Imaging techniques in retinal and macular disorders
- Basis of treatments for retinal disease.
Speak to our Admissions Team
If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:
Email: professionalcpd@aston.ac.uk
Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 10am-4pm BST)
Please click here for guidance on completing the postgraduate application.
Learning, teaching, assessment and staff
Teaching and learning will combine the 4 OCCCF clinical areas of: Medical retina, Glaucoma, Cataracts and Acute and Emergency Eye Care, with the Advanced Clinical Practice pillars of Leadership and Management, Education and Research. Additional topics will also include ocular anatomy, medical skills, examination techniques, nutrition and myopia. Optometrists can gain independent prescribing status along with the opportunity to gain College of Optometrists accredited professional certification in the areas of Medical Retina and Glaucoma as part of the course. All teaching material will be available through our virtual learning environment. Assessments will comprise of a combination of MCQ tests, assignments, portfolios and OSCES.
Programme team:
Course Director: Dr Preeti Bhogal-Bhamra
This course is part of the School of Optometry which sits within the College of Health and Life Sciences.
Your future career prospects
Our courses offer you the opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills in order to develop your career. In addition, our ethos is to equip you to make a real difference in your field.
The Optometry CPD courses allow you to develop specialist knowledge in advanced optometric topics. Clinical application and content may allow eye care professionals to widen and specialise their mode of practice.
