

Key information, entry requirement and fees
- Credit value: 20 Masters-level credits
- Mode of delivery: Distance learning
- Course type: Standalone module
- Start date: 1 March 2023 & 1 October 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: 2022/23 fees are £1,150
- Entry requirement: You must be a clinician in the field of Ophthalmology or Optometry, including nurses, dispensing opticians and contact lens opticians.
- Language requirement: Find out more about our English language requirements.
Course outline and what you will study
This module covers the different approaches to management of patients along with how they might be implemented in practice. The most common refractive surgery techniques will be detailed. Different surgery for presbyopia will be included. The instrumentation that is used in the field of refractive surgery will be explained.
Topics covered in this module include:
- Medico-legal issues and Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE)
- Patient selection for refractive surgery
- Corneal topography and wavefront technology
- Patient counselling, marketing and staff training
- Instrumentation used in refractive surgery assessment
- History of refractive surgery techniques
- Laser refractive surgery
- Intraocular lenses
- Surgery for presbyopia
- Common complications and their management.
This module is based on the Refractive Surgery syllabus as outlined by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. Completion of both Refractive Surgery 1 and Refractive Surgery 2 modules prepares candidates entering the RCOphth Refractive certification examinations. The Royal College of Ophthalmologists recognise the modules as preparation for these examinations.
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 Shehzad Naroo
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.