Myopia

Standalone module

Want to enhance your expertise in managing myopia, apply cutting-edge research and deliver evidence-based care for patients concerned about myopia progression?

Location: Online via distance learning

Course type
Professional short courses/CPD
Entry requirements
Duration

Four months

Start date

Module overview

Studied via distance learning, this module focuses on the measurement, correction and clinical management of myopia, now affecting around 25% of UK adolescents and an estimated one billion people globally. You will explore the causes of myopia, its progression and the potential for treatment through optical, pharmaceutical and behavioural methods. The module provides insight into contemporary research on myopia, including epidemiology, genetics and the debate between nature and nurture in its development.

Key topics include the classification and epidemiology of myopia, structural and functional changes in the eye and methods to predict and manage the condition. You will examine emmetropization, the role of retinal blur and ocular growth and strategies for optical and pharmaceutical management. This module also explores preventive measures such as outdoor activity, nearwork and nutrition, providing a comprehensive understanding of myopia and its relevance to clinical practice.

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

Module tutor(s): Professor Nicola Logan

Why Myopia at Aston University?

2nd in the uk
Excellent prospects
Ranked 2nd in the UK for ‘graduate prospects – on track’ (Optometry, Ophthalmics and Orthoptics; Complete University Guide, 2025)
Glasses
Specialist facilities
Access cutting-edge equipment in our ophthalmic simulation suite
Student satisfaction
Research active staff
Learn from passionate research-active academics in specialist areas of optometry, ophthalmics and orthoptics

Objectives and outcomes

  1. Enables you to fully appreciate the nature of contemporary clinical research in myopia and its relevance to clinical practice, including the genesis, development and treatment strategies for myopia.

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

  • Critically appraise relevant studies in epidemiology, genetics, physiology, biology and biometry of myopia that form the foundation for understanding its aetiology, amelioration and remediation.
  • Evaluate the potential to treat myopia through optical, pharmaceutical and environmental interventions.
  • Communicate appropriate information to patients in optometric practice who are concerned about the aetiology and development of their own or their child's myopia.
  • Apply an evidence-based approach to the clinical management of myopia.
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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)

Entry requirements

  • You must be a clinician in the field of optometry.

Fees

UK students (2024/25)
£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.

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 deliveryLearning hours
Independent activity200 hours
Total200 hours
  • Assessment
    The assessment for this standalone module comprises two components:

    Continuous assessment (50%): Five assignments (500 words each) based on 10 presentations.

    Case study (50%): Three case records (500 words each) reflecting on evidence-based myopia cases in clinical practice. If case records are not feasible, an alternative essay may be submitted with prior approval from the module lead.
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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.
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