Planit


Optometry with Independent Prescribing

Glasgow Caledonian University

Content

Optometrists detect sight problems and prescribe and dispense spectacles, contact lenses and other aids to vision. They also play a key role in diagnosing and managing a wide range of eye conditions, including infective and inflammatory disorders, cataracts, and glaucoma.

GCU’s integrated master’s course in Optometry provides comprehensive training in the theory and practice of optometry to enable graduates to deliver a range of core and enhanced eyecare services to communities across Scotland and beyond. The course is unique and designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to undertake advanced clinical practice upon graduation. Beyond registration with the General Optical Council (GOC) as an Optometrist, graduates will be eligible to join the GOC’s specialty register of independent prescribing optometrists.

Year 1
Biology of the Human Eye and Supporting Structures; Biology of the Retina and Visual Pathways;
Clinical and Professional Studies 1; Foundations of Optics; Principles of Spectacle Dispensing; Visual Optics, Refraction and Binocular Vision.

Year 2
Clinical and Professional Studies 2; Diagnostic Instrumentation and Techniques A; Diagnostic Instrumentation and Techniques B; Advanced Refraction and Binocular Vision; Introduction to Ocular and Systemic Disease; Ocular Pharmacology.

Year 3
Clinical and Professional Studies 3; Contact Lens Studies; Further Ocular Disease; Neuro-ophthalmology and Eye Movement Disorders; Visual Development and Paediatric Eyecare; Visual Perception and Methods of Enquiry in Vision Science.

Year 4
Clinical and Professional Studies 4A; Clinical and Professional Studies 4B; Management of Ocular Disease A; Management of Ocular Disease B; Project/Dissertation.

Year 5
Learning and Experience in Practice; Practical Prescribing; Theory of Prescribing 2.

Entry Requirements

2025 entry requirements

Standard entry: 5 Highers at AABBB including an English based subject, Maths and two science subjects.

Widening access entry: 5 Highers at ABBBC including an English based subject, Maths and two science subjects.

A Foundation Apprenticeship is accepted as equivalent of a non-essential Higher at B.

Start Date

September

Qualification

Degree

Award

MOptom (IP)

Study Method

Full time

UCAS Code

B510

Course Length

5 years

Faculty

School of Health and Life Sciences

Department

Vision Science

SCQF Level

10

Website

www.gcu.ac.uk

Career Area

Health and Medicine

Career Sectors

Alternative Medicine

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