Paediatric Eye Care

Standalone module

Looking to enhance your expertise in paediatric optometry, mastering techniques for assessing and managing children's vision while navigating UK vision screening protocols?

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 offers an advanced understanding of paediatric eye care for eye care professionals. It focuses on the development of vision in children, methods for assessing visual function in paediatric populations and the management of common ocular conditions in childhood. The course is designed to build on core competencies in paediatric optometry, providing a deeper insight into clinical practice.

The module covers typical visual development, refractive error assessment, and myopia management strategies. Students will learn how to communicate effectively with children and their parents, conduct robust tests for visual and binocular function, and manage paediatric conditions like strabismus. It also explores eye care in children with developmental disabilities, safeguarding, and dispensing, ensuring a comprehensive approach to paediatric optometry.

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

Why Paediatric Eye Care 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. Builds on core competencies in paediatric optometry, providing advanced understanding and knowledge in the field.
  2. Develops your skills in self-evaluation and practice related to paediatric optometry.
  3. Develops your understanding of visual development, assessment techniques for paediatric visual function and management of common ocular conditions in children.

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

  • Demonstrate an understanding of typical visual development and common abnormal visual outcomes.
  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the UK national and local protocols for vision screening pathways.
  • Communicate effectively with infants, children and their parents or carers.
  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the strengths and limitations of tests and techniques.
  • Assess infants' and children's visual function using robust and evidence-based tests appropriate for age.
  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of how to examine ocular health in infants and children.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the visual problems in infants and children with developmental disabilities.
  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of appropriate dispensing for infants and children.
  • Formulate and deliver an evidence-based management plan for infants and children.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of safeguarding in children.
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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

Paediatric Eye Care (Professional Certificate)

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.
  • Compulsory on-campus practical days take place on Tuesday 1 April 2025 and Wednesday 2 April 2025.
Method of deliveryLearning hours
Small group activity4 hours
Independent activity166 hours
Structured activity20 hours
Formative assessment activity10 hours
Total200 hours
  • Assessment
    The assessment for this standalone module comprises two components:

    Portfolio of case reports (80%): Four case reports demonstrating clinical skills and knowledge in paediatric optometry or a 3,000-word evidence-based essay on a chosen topic.

    Multiple choice questions (20%): Tests with multiple choice questions linked to lecture content.
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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 like paediatric eye care. Clinical application and content may allow eye care professionals to widen and specialise their mode of practice.
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