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Independent Prescribing for Optometrists Module 2 (Consists of two modules: IP1 and IP2)

Key information

Course Leader: Colin Davidson

Credits: 30

Mode of delivery: on line, face-to-face and blended

Learner Hours: IP2 (scheduled approximately 50, Independent approximately 250)

School: Life & Medical Sciences

Available places: 35

Learning outcomes

This course comprises learning outcomes defined by the General Optical Council (GOC). This is detailed in the GOC independent prescribing handbook which can be accessed here:

https://www.college-optometrists.org/uploads/assets/43874029-16e5-4fc6-a1bb9170e14b8fb3/GOC-IP-Handbook.pdf

Dates

  • 07/21/2025

Fees and Funding

£1500.00

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for the course are set by the General Optical Council. You will need to have:

• A General Optical Council recognised undergraduate degree in Optometry.

• A current registration with the General Optical Council.

• Evidence of current experience. This should be in the area you intend to practice. It can be a supporting letter from an ophthalmologist, professional services manager or other person within the organisation you work for.

• Evidence of CET activity in your chosen area.

• Any relevant higher education qualification.

• Written confirmation of the type of clinical practice in the intended area.

• Identified a suitable ophthalmologist mentor

 

Please note, that to commence the clinical placement you must have been registered with the General Optical Council for at least two years.

 

Course Overview

 

Module 2

Face to face teaching: 2 days at start of the module 2  (TBC)

Venue: University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield

  

IP Module 2 Face to Face teaching - Day 1 

 Practical sessions

  • Foreign Body removal 
  • Lacrimal Syringing and Punctal Plugs
  • Gonioscopy and 3 mirror lens
  • Advanced slit lamp skills
  • Bring your own cases for discussion

 

IP Module 2 Face to Face teaching - Day 2

Case discussion sessions

  • Cases from A&E
  • Glaucoma cases
  • Red Eye Cases
  • History Taking Cases
  • Emergency Challenge team quiz

 

Lecture program IP Module 2 (online)

  • Prescribing in special groups
  • Prescribing in at risk groups
  • Prescribing safely
  • Legal and professional ethics
  • Evidence based practice
  • Glaucoma 
  1. Classification of Glaucoma
  2. Investigation of Glaucoma
  3. Management of Glaucoma
  • The management of blepharitis and dry eye 
  • Medications available to Optometrists
  • The Management of Red Eye Conditions
  • Integrating IP into practice
  •  

Assessment (Date TBC)

The University of Hertfordshire currently holds full GOC approval to provide the independent prescribing course.

Learning outcomes

This course comprises learning outcomes defined by the General Optical Council (GOC). This is detailed in the GOC independent prescribing handbook which can be accessed here:

https://www.college-optometrists.org/uploads/assets/43874029-16e5-4fc6-a1bb9170e14b8fb3/GOC-IP-Handbook.pdf

Assessment

Module 2 Assessment (Date TBC)

 

Remote:

Patchwork text written submission

(Weighing 30%)

 

Face to Face:

Venue: University of Hertfordshire College Lane Campus, Hatfield

Key features computer-based assessment

(Weighting 40%)

OSCE stations (6 x 10-minute stations)

(Weighting 30%)