Advanced Clinical Practice in Ocular Health

Course overview

The MSc Advanced Clinical Practice is an engaging programme with a practical focus. It is for nurses, optometrists and orthoptists working in the field of ophthalmology, who wish to further develop their clinical skills, as well as hone and develop skills in research, education, leadership and management. It is a distance-learning programme, designed to work around students' current clinical role.

The programme aligns with the Multi-Professional Framework for Advanced Clinical Practice and the Ophthalmology Common Clinical Competency framework.

The Advanced Clinical Practice in Ocular Health can be completed as a Masters but you can also choose to exit with a PG certificate or PG diploma.

“The staff of Aston’s optometry department are so supportive and really want to see their students succeed."

Natasha Richards

Optometrist at Specsavers

Why Advanced Clinical Practice in Ocular Health at Aston University?

Professional Framework (OCCCF)

Our programme is part of the Ophthalmic Common Clinical Competency Framework (OCCCF)

Internationally recognised research

100% of our health and life sciences research environment has been ranked as being at least internationally excellent, with 50% being world-leading

World class facilities

A UK-first dedicated simulation suite equipped with the latest instruments and simulators

Why Study Advanced Clinical Practice MSc at Aston University?

Hear more about our Advanced Clinical Practice MSc course and why it is the right course to propel your Optometrist career.

Course description

Advanced Clinical Practice in Ocular Health MSc

Our advanced clinical practice in ocular health MSc at Aston will equip you with the skills, insights, and confidence required to become an advanced clinical practitioner.

What we will provide
First-class teaching delivered by a diverse array of staff with years of close industry collaboration that is harnessed to provide you with learning based on real-world needs. Our teaching aims to inspire and excite you and bring your course to life.

What you will provide
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies - understanding that intelligence and success comes from applying yourself. You must be able to demonstrate critical thinking and have ambition and drive to excel.

What skills we teach
Diagnose, investigate, assess, and manage complex clinical presentations in key ophthalmic care areas, such as cataracts, medical retina, acute and emergency ophthalmology, and glaucoma. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, the course enables you to provide advanced clinical care, promoting patient-centred approaches and instilling a critical understanding of clinical practice.

Career prospects
At present, there is a significant drive to develop optometrists, nurses and orthoptists in several ophthalmology extended roles across the UK in primary and secondary care. This is in response to an increasing ageing population, pre and post-COVID ophthalmology patient backlogs and a chronic shortage of junior doctor training places to meet the current demand.

The MSc Advanced Practice in Ocular Health programme aligns with frameworks recognised by the National Health Service, as well as The Royal College of Ophthalmologists, The College of Optometrists, The British and Irish Orthoptics Society and the Royal College of Nursing. Not only will it equip students with appropriate and up-to-date clinical knowledge, but it will allow them to also develop valuable healthcare-focused skills in leadership, management, research and education. The programme will fully prepare students to develop into roles in Advanced Clinical Practice to meet the current, significant demand.

How you will learn

Our teaching style is modern and innovative, with a hands-on approach that bridges the gap between theory and practice. This enables you to apply your skills as you progress through your course, marrying your learning with practical examples, all designed to prepare you to apply your skills in the world of work.

What you will learn

Depending on your professional background (Nurse, Optometrist, or Orthoptist), you will receive specialised training to fill gaps in your existing qualifications. Modules cover essential topics such as Ocular Anatomy, Medical Retina, Glaucoma, Acute and Emergency Ophthalmology, Advanced Cataracts, and Ocular Therapeutics.

Clinical Skills Workshops

In collaboration with Optegra, the School of Optometry at Aston University are proud to present its first programme of Ophthalmology Skills Taster workshops available to our students in November. These occur on Friday 8th November and Saturday 9th November

Learn more

Course objectives

Provide you with opportunities to realise your academic potential through a range of learning experiences.
Encourage you, through a practical approach, to have a passion for ocular health and an enthusiasm for learning.
To develop and enhance your complex clinical decision-making skills and clinical knowledge in ocular health diagnosis and management, whilst encouraging independent learning to exercise autonomy and accountability in their clinical practice.
Provide student-specific routes dependent on the student’s existing professional qualification (Nurse, Optometrist or Orthoptist). The aim is to apprise relevant skills not incorporated in each of these three qualifications, but that are relevant to Advanced Clinical Practice in Ocular Health – particularly in secondary care ophthalmology.
Develop your expertise in specific areas of ocular health as defined by the Ophthalmic Common Competency Framework (OCCCF).

Modules

Taught stage modules

In the taught stage, you will study the following core module:

Module Title	Credits
Medical Retina - equips clinicians with enhanced knowledge and clinical skills in the field of medical retina. Mapped to OCCCF Level 1, the module has been designed to meet the requirements of the College of Optometrists Professional Certificate in Medical Retina.	20
Glaucoma - develops your knowledge in glaucoma detection, investigation and monitoring methodologies used in both optometry and ophthalmology. Mapped to OCCCF Level 1, the module has been designed to meet the requirements of the College of Optometrists Professional Certificate in Glaucoma.	20
Advanced Cataracts - equip you with the appropriate theoretical knowledge to participate in full pre- and post-operative assessment of patients with cataracts. Mapped to OCCCF Level 3, students will learn how to appropriately interpret ocular biometry including IOL calculation, how to assess and risk stratify surgical cases and manage cataract surgery patients with both routine and complex post-operative needs	15
Acute and Emergency Ophthalmology - equip candidates with the appropriate theoretical knowledge to participate in acute and emergency ophthalmology services in primary and secondary care settings. Mapped to OCCCF Level 3, students will learn how to make an appropriate ocular and systemic enquiry, before autonomously diagnosing, managing and discharging patients with a variety of acute ocular conditions.	15
Principles of Advanced Practice - provides the theoretical foundation for the 4 pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice which will be further developed as part of the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice in Ocular Health. Students will cover a range of topics including leadership theory, research skills, teaching methods, clinical reasoning strategies and reflective practice. There is an online, face-to-face, teaching day including workshops and lectures from clinical leaders and coaches, as well as assignments with a practical focus involving completing an audit, designing a learning activity and producing an infographic.	10
Total	80

The following modules are optional, choices will depend on the individual route for professionals (prescribing route or non-prescribing route).
[OO: optometrists, OT: orthoptists, ON: ophthalmic nurses]

Module Title	Credits
Ocular Anatomy and Essential Ophthalmic Investigative Techniques (ON & OT only) - Perfect for clinicians new to examining the ocular structures, this module aims to provide you with technical knowledge regarding fundamental investigative techniques in ophthalmology, as well as a comprehensive overview of ocular anatomy. The module covers techniques for examining both the anterior and posterior eye, as well as those to assess the ocular muscles and intraocular pressure. Assessment of visual function is also covered, including electrodiagnostic testing.	20
Advanced Ophthalmology and Medical Skills - equips you (but does not provide proficiency*) with a variety of techniques essential for performing extended clinical roles in ophthalmology. Skills covered in the module include YAG laser capsulotomy, intravitreal injections, practical eye casualty skills such as corneal foreign body removal, Botox for oculoplastic conditions, ocular biometry and gonioscopy. The module also aims to provide medical background knowledge and skills allowing allied health professionals to provide all-around care for patients while working in extended roles in ophthalmology. Also includes 2 optional clinical skills workshops days which can be booked for a small additional cost.	20
Ocular Therapeutics 1 (OO only) - covers a range of topics including ocular immunology, pharmacology and ocular therapeutic drugs, frameworks of prescribing, and prescribing safely and professionally. It also forms part of the training required to gain Independent Prescriber status for Optometrists only. There is an additional mandatory on-campus workshop which forms part of the assessment components for this module.	20
Prescribing Disorders of the Eye (OO only) - covers a range of topics including red eye management, ocular surface disease management and cataract co-management. It also forms part of the training required to gain Independent Prescriber status for Optometrists only.	20
General Ocular Therapeutics - provide a background to ocular pharmacology for students where - Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Prescribing Disorders of the Eye may not be suitable (e.g. non-optometrists; those who do not have easy access to patients for case records; students based outside of the UK). The coursework requirement consists of an evidence-based essay on the use of ophthalmic drugs, along with online tests relating to each lecture. Students who have previously completed Ocular Pharmacology or Therapeutics and Prescribing Disorders of the Eye may not undertake this module.	20
Ageing Eye Management - With an unremitting rate of change within the eye care professions and an ever-ageing population, optometrists and eye care practitioners must be aware of recent and future developments in optometric research concerning the ageing eye. The module provides a holistic overview of the evidence base relating to the management of ageing patients.	20
Myopia - provides a contemporary account of relevant studies in epidemiology, physiology, biology and optoelectronic measurement that have provided new insight into the psychophysiological and neurobiological nature of myopia. Modern methods of genotyping have informed substantially the nature vs nurture debate concerning the onset and development of myopia. The module will demonstrate that there is scope to treat myopia by manipulation of the visual environment and will present the rationale for current non-surgical options for treatment based on optical, pharmaceutical and behavioural studies.	20
Nutrition and the Eye - covers the theory behind the role of nutrition in the prevention and retardation of ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and dry eye syndrome. The evidence for and against a positive role of nutritional supplementation and/or dietary modification will be discussed in relation to age-related macular disease and dry eye disease.	20

Dissertation stage modules

In the dissertation stage, you will study the following core module:

Module Title	Credits
Advanced Clinical Practice Portfolio and Service Project	40
Total	40

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class UK BSc (Hons) in Optometry, Orthoptics or Nursing degree.

• Applicants are required to be working within the area of ophthalmology or optometry in the NHS or community practice.

• Applicants must be UK-registered clinicians with experience in secondary practice or evidence of intended secondary practice.

• Should you wish to gain the HEE title of Advanced Clinical Practitioner you must have current employment in an NHS organisation with agreement to ultimately be working in a planned Advanced Clinical Practitioner role. You must have an agreement with your employer to undertake this programme as you will be expected to undertake work-based learning and assessments. Your workplace will be expected to have structures in place for you to undertake this work-based learning and training and be able to allocate an education supervisor and appropriate clinical supervision.

Please note the application deadline for this course is Wednesday 23rd August 2024.

Masters Foundation programmes

If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.

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 09.30 am-4.30 pm

Read our guide to applying

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2024/25)

3 year part-time MSc:

£9,750

More information on fees

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.

Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.

More information on fees

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore scholarships for UK students

Assessment

Assessments include online tests such as MCQs and on-campus workshops with associated OSCEs. Coursework completion of case records is also mandatory in some modules.

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

Frequently asked questions

Why Advanced Clinical Practice in Ocular Health at Aston University?

The Advanced Clinical Practice in Ocular Health at the MSc level offers a unique educational experience that positions graduates for rewarding careers in the fields of ophthalmology and optometry. Expertise gained from our specialised modules prepares you to address complex challenges in ocular health. Additionally, our curriculum is aligned with the Health Education England (HEE) Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) framework, ensuring you meet professional standards and are well-prepared for career progression.

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham