Key information, entry requirement and fees
- Credit value: 20 Masters-level credits
- Mode of delivery: Distance learning
- Course type: Standalone module
- Module code: OP4NE1
- Start date: 1 March 2023
- 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 (2023/2024): £620 per 10 credits.
- Entry requirement: You must be a clinician in the field of optometry.
- Language requirement: Find out more about our English language requirements.
Course outline
This module covers the theory behind the role of nutrition in the prevention and retardation of ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and dry eye syndrome. The evidence for and against a positive role of nutritional supplementation and/or dietary modification will be discussed in relation to age-related macular disease and dry eye disease.
Particular attention will be played to the effects of lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation, with exploration of the AREDS study results. Macular pigment measurement and its relationship to retinal disease progression will also be covered. The module will arm you with practical clinical details that will enable you to discuss this complicated topic with your patients in a balanced and informed manner.
Topics covered in this module include:
- Oxidation, nutrition, and the eye
- Nutrition for AMD
- Lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin: macular pigment
- Measurement of macular pigment
- AREDS 1 and 2
- Cataract, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and nutrition
- Nutrition for dry eye syndrome
- Herbs and the eye
- Vitamin, mineral, herb and drug interactions
- Patient and practitioner perspectives on nutrition for ocular disease.
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.
Assessment is by coursework submitted throughout the course. Coursework will take the form of formative assessments (MCQs) and individual assignment.
Our courses are written and delivered 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 Hannah Bartlett
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.
