Independent Prescribing for Optometrists

Within their scope of clinical practice, Independent Prescribing Optometrists can therapeutically manage any ocular condition affecting the eye and adnexa using a range of medicines. Being an Independent Prescriber can provide new career opportunities, increase professional freedom, and improve job satisfaction.  Optometrists who complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Independent Prescribing will be eligible to apply to the General Optical Council (GOC) for registration as an Independent Prescribing optometrist.  

This course combines theoretical knowledge provided on a distance learning basis and a single compulsory campus clinical skills day. A clinical placement is also required, and candidates are encouraged to secure their hospital placement and supervisor prior to the application process.

Aston University is an established GOC-accredited provider for Independent Prescribing. In line with the GOC’s recently updated ‘Independent Prescribing Education and Training Requirements’, the Aston Independent Prescribing Postgraduate Certificate has been designed to fulfil these new requirements. Aston University is the first University in the UK to be ‘noted’ by the GOC for these changes, and anticipate full GOC accreditation of the newest version of the programme in the near future.

Credit value: 60 masters level credits

Mode of delivery: Distance Learning with a one day on campus workshop Course type: Postgraduate Certificate

The costs for the clinical placement, which is to be arranged by each trainee, can vary, depending on the fees, if any, imposed by the respective HES or clinical practice. The placement should be arranged prior to starting this programme.

Start date: 1 October 2024

Application deadline: 23 August 2024

Next workshop: 6^th November 2024

Clinical placement: Candidates applying for the Postgraduate Certificate in Independent Prescribing for Optometrists must independently secure a clinical placement with an appropriate supervisor prior to applying for the course. The clinical placement usually takes place within an NHS hospital outpatient department in which a variety of ocular pathologies are managed therapeutically during face-to-face clinics. The clinical placements usually last around 2 weeks.’

Course format:

Distance learning with single on-campus day. IP clinical placement is to be arranged by the candidate

Time commitment

Although this will depend upon the individual, a typical student can expect to spend around 10 hours a week throughout the duration of the course, equivalent to 600 hours of study in total, plus up to 90 hours of ‘learning and experience in practice,’ including a clinical placement which must be at least 75 hours in duration.

There is a mandatory on-campus Clinical Skills Day which must be attended in person for those completing the Postgraduate Certificate in Independent Prescribing for Optometrists.

Key applicant information

We have a cap of 60 students per intake and therefore recommend applying early.

Stage one - pre application

In stage one, you and your Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) must complete the associated pre-application forms using the buttons provided below. Failure to do so will result in your application being rejected. Upon completion, continue to stage two, the course application, within 48 hours.

Pre-application form (For applicants only)

Please complete the Pre-Application Form Part 1 and submit it within 48 hours of also submitting your online formal admissions application (stage two).

To be completed by the applicant

Pre-application form (for DPP only)

As part of the course, you must undertake a clinical placement which is overseen by a Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP).  You must identify and confirm your proposed clinical placement site and DPP to prior to enrolling onto the course. 

The proposed Designated Prescribing Practitioner should complete this form, and by doing so, confirm that it is expected the student will undertake their clinical placement at the named clinical setting under the overall supervision of the named DPP.  If the proposed DPP changes prior to the clinical placement, the student should contact the Aston IP team directly.

To be completed by DPP 

Stage two: Aston University application

After stage one is complete, please complete the below application within 48 hours of stage one completion

Application

The Independent Prescriber course is open to UK-based GOC registered optometrists who:

• Have a degree in Optometry
• Current and active General Optical Council (GOC) registration
• Have up-to-date knowledge and experience in their intended area of practice. This could be relevant experience obtained in the hospital eye service, at a specialist eyecare practice or in a shared care scheme.
• The clinical placement (75 hours) is the candidate’s responsibility to organise and confirm prior to enrolment. There must be a ‘Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP),’ at the placement site who is willing to oversee the placement. The applicant and the DPP must complete the pre-application forms which should be submitted alongside their formal online application form. Please see link (to the pre-application form).
• Language requirement: Find out more about our English language requirements.
• Evidence of a basic DBS check within the last 3 years

Course fees

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. Most topics are delivered by PowerPoint lectures with speeches. Other lectures are delivered in a text-based format. Assessment is by coursework submitted throughout the course.

The Practical Prescribing module will require mandatory in-person attendance at a Clinical Skills Day located at Aston University.
Upon successful completion of all three modules, you will be eligible for a postgraduate certificate in Optometry Independent Prescribing and may apply to the General Optical Council (GOC) for entry onto the register as an Independent Prescribing Optometrist.

Course leads: Dr Preeti K. Bhogal-Bhamra and Dr Sally Blackmore-Wright (Teaching Fellow)

This course is part of the School of Optometry which sits within the College of Health and Life Sciences.

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.