Optometry, MOptom

Following a strategic review of optical education, the General Optical Council (GOC) published new education and training requirements in 2021. For Optometry, the changes mean that there will no longer be a 2-step process to qualification (Optometry degree followed by the Scheme for Registration), but programmes must integrate all clinical learning within them and be at Master’s level. Education providers are expected to transition to the new requirements in 2023/24, or 2024/25. At Aston's School of Optometry, we are currently going through the adaptation process and expect to be offering our updated programme from September 2023 onwards, which will be a 4 year Master of Optometry programme, with an integrated 44 week period of external Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP), delivered in collaboration with the College of Optometrists. Student optometrists will be responsible for applying for and securing a paid CLiP placement at an external practice location, with support available from Careers and Placements, and the Aston's School of Optometry careers tutor. The BSc in Optometry will cease to admit new students.Our 4 year MOptom (Hons) Optometry course has been specifically designed to meet the requirements for the practice of Optometry and is regulated by the General Optical Council (GOC). With clinical experience throughout, this course offers an integrated masters level year which is studied via distance learning during the pre-registration period. From your first weeks you’ll learn about the internal structures of the eye and how to assess occular health. As you move further into the course you will have the opportunity to:

• Access our unique virtual patient simulators which will help you to develop initial clinical skills.

• Supervised hands-on clinical experience working with patients at the Aston Eye Clinic, based on our vibrant city campus.

• Learn to conduct a wide range of tests and examinations across all aspects of eye care for people at all times of life; from paediatrics to geriatric.

• Discover the range of specialist fields and areas of optometry from dry eye to low vision by observing specialist clinics led by experts.

• Develop knowledge and experience in the fitting and aftercare of contact lenses.

• Broaden your understanding of the role opticians play in the wider healthcare field by taking part in interdisciplinary learning.

During the MOptom year you will deepen your knowledge of topics such as advanced investigative techniques, evidence-based clinical research, glaucoma, interprofessional communication, ocular prescribing, and retinal and macular disorders. You will remain enrolled on a full-time basis at Aston and complete 6 masters-level modules, 4 of which will be taught modules and 2 are coursework modules. As this course is an integrated work based learning year, students are able to work and study at the same time. Completing the MOptom enables you to achieve a master’s degree as you qualify as a registered Optometrist. Whilst undergoing the pre-registration period, your depth of knowledge will be enhanced by the distance modules that we offer, and your skills will continue to be refined and grow during this year. Key course benefits:

• 1st in the UK for graduate prospects; on track (Optometry, Ophthalmics and Orthoptics (Complete University Guide 2022).

• Aston is ranked 2nd in UK for Health Professions (Guardian University Guide, 2022).

• 5th in UK for student satisfaction (Optometry, Opthalmics & Orthoptics (Complete University Guide 2022).

• Within the School of Optometry, we conduct world-leading research in a wide range of areas relating to optometry and eye health. 3rd in the UK for research quality (Optometry, Ophthalmics & Orthoptics, (Complete University Guide 2022).

Please note we do not offer a Foundation Programme, if you select Year 0 on your application form this will be amended to Year 1 at admissions review stage.