Key information, entry requirement and fees
Please note, students who have previously completed "Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics" and "Prescribing for Disorders of the Eye" may not undertake this module
- Credit value: 20 Masters-level credits
- Mode of delivery: Distance learning
- Course type: Standalone module
- Module code: OP4GOT
- Start date: October 1st 2024
- 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 (2024/25): £1,300
- 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
The module aims to provide a background to ocular pharmacology for students where OP4OT1 and OP4OT2 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 OP4OT1 or OP4OT2 may not undertake this module.
Following successful completion of this module, the students should be able to show:
- Knowledge of ocular immunology and microbiology
- An understanding of pharmacology and relate this to ocular therapeutic drugs
- An understanding of your role, an awareness of the limitations of your clinical experience and an ability to work within the limits of your professional competence
- An ability to identify the nature and severity of the presenting condition and to understand an appropriate patient-specific clinical management plan
- An understanding of the need to monitor the response to treatment, to review both the working and the differential diagnosis, and to modify treatment or refer / consult / seek guidance as appropriate
- An understanding of prescribing, safety, appropriate and cost effectiveness
- An understanding of the importance of taking a shared approach to decision making by assessing patients’ needs for medicines, taking account of their preferences and values and those of their carers when making prescribing decisions
- An understanding of the legal, ethical and professional framework for accountability and responsibility in relation to prescribing.
- An understanding of working within clinical governance frameworks
This module can be used as an independent prescriber refresher course for those falling outside of the time frame to sit the College of Optometrist Common Final Assessment.
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 09.30am-4.30pm BST)
Please click here for guidance on completing the postgraduate application.
Learning, teaching, assessment and staff
This course is delivered via distance learning. You will access learning materials for general study, revision and assessment via our virtual learning environment, Blackboard. This platform allows you to access a comprehensive range of study materials, scientific journals, e-journals, databases and much more.
The coursework requirement consists of an evidence-based essay on the use of ophthalmic drugs, along with online tests relating to each lecture.
This module has been designed by staff at the forefront of life and health sciences teaching and research. In the recent Teaching Excellence Framework assessment, Aston University was awarded Gold, the highest award possible. In addition, our courses are regularly reviewed by relevant professional experts.
Course lead: Dr Sally Blackmore-Wright
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.
