General Ocular Therapeutics

Module overview

Studied via distance learning, this standalone module offers you a comprehensive introduction to ocular pharmacology, tailored for those who may not have direct patient access or are based outside the UK. It provides a solid foundation in the use of ophthalmic drugs, preparing you to safely prescribe and manage patients with ocular conditions. If you have already completed advanced ocular therapeutic modules, this course will not be suitable for you.

The indicative content of the module covers principles of pharmacology, ocular pharmacy and therapeutics, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of prescribing. You will also explore effective prescribing practices, patient partnership in medicine-taking and the co-management of conditions such as glaucoma, anterior eye diseases, cataracts, refractive surgery, diabetes and retinal disorders.

This is a level 7 module (equivalent level of study to a postgraduate or masters degree) worth 20 credits.

Module tutor(s): Dr Sally Blackmore-Wright

Why General Ocular Therapeutics at Aston University?

Excellent prospects

Ranked 2nd in the UK for ‘graduate prospects – on track’ (Optometry, Ophthalmics and Orthoptics; Complete University Guide, 2025)

Specialist facilities

Access cutting-edge equipment in our ophthalmic simulation suite

Research active staff

Learn from passionate research-active academics in specialist areas of optometry, ophthalmics and orthoptics

Objectives and outcomes

Enables you to identify the nature and severity of ocular conditions and develop appropriate, patient-specific clinical management plans while working as part of a team and involving patients in decision-making.
Provides you with an understanding of pharmacology and its application to ocular therapeutic drugs.
Equips you with knowledge of the legal, ethical and professional responsibilities related to prescribing, alongside working within clinical governance frameworks.

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the diagnosis and subsequent management of patients presenting with ocular disease.
Prescribe safely as an individual or as part of a team.

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)

Read our guide to applying

Entry requirements

You must be a clinician in the field of optometry.

Fees

UK students (2024/5)

£1,300

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

Delivery and assessment

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.

Method of delivery	Learning hours
Independent activity	150 hours
Formative assessment activity	50 hours
Total	200 hours

Assessment
The assessment for this standalone module comprises two components:

Multiple choice questions (10%): A three-hour open-book exam.

Coursework (90%): An evidence-based essay on managing ophthalmic conditions, focusing on multidisciplinary care and patient involvement in decision-making.

Hello, what would you like to ask us?

Hello! We are a team of current Aston University students from various parts of the world, studying a wide range of postgraduate subjects.

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Career prospects

Our range of continuing professional development modules offers you the opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills in order to develop your career, it is also our ethos to equip you with the skills and knowledge to make a real difference in your field.
They have been designed to 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.