Medical Retina – Standalone module

The Medical Retina course aims to equip you with enhanced knowledge and clinical skills in the field of medical retina. It can also be taken individually or as part of the Optometry Flexible Framework, where you can apply to the Optometry PgCert and advance to the PgDip and MSc. Visit this page for the professional certificate

Please note the deadline for applications is 23 August 2024.


Location: Aston University, Birmingham

Course type
Part-time / distance learning

Course format

No placements

Duration

4 months 

UCAS code(s)

N/A

Start date

Overview
Explore Medical Retina - Standalone module

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    Key information, entry requirement and fees

    Credit value: 20 masters level credits

    Mode of delivery: Online delivery

    Number of places available: 30

    Start dates: 1st October 2024

    Application deadline: 23 August 2024

    Duration: 4 months

    Fees (2024/25): £1300

    Entry requirements: You must be a clinician in the field of optometry or ophthalmology.

    Language requirement: Find out more about our English language requirements

    For the professional certificate, visit the following page:

    Professional Certificate

    Course outline and what you will study

    The module aims to equip clinicians in the field of optometry with enhanced knowledge and clinical skills in the field of medical retina. Topics covered within the module include:  

    • Retinal anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology.
    • OCT imaging and its use for diagnostic purposes in medical retina.
    • Pathophysiology, risk factors, symptoms, management and current treatment for key medical retina pathologies.
    • Efficient patient communication.
    • Use of imaging technology (other than OCT) to identify and monitor medical retina conditions.
    • Diabetic retinopathy screening, the current UK scheme, its delivery and significance.
    • Clinical management guidelines and local referral pathways for medical retina conditions.
    • Safeguarding adults and children.

    Content and directed learning delivered on this course links in with contemporary research in this field.

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

    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

    Learning and teaching 

    Lecture content is delivered by distance learning, using Blackboard, our virtual learning environment. This platform allows you to access a comprehensive range of study materials, scientific journals, e-journals, databases and much more. You will also complete small group activity learning with activities such as tutorials and independent study. 

    Assessments 

    A variety of assessment methods linked to learning outcomes are utilised including online multiple choice, visual recognition tests and a case report which assess theoretical knowledge.

    Key staff

    Module leader: Tracey Bolton, Teaching Fellow

    Career Prospects

    Our range of continuing professional development modules offer you the opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills in order to develop your career, it is also our ethos is 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 like medical retina. Clinical application and content may allow eye care professionals to widen and specialise their mode of practice.

    Chat with current students