Optometry, MOptom (Hons)

Course summary

Aston School of Optometry was one of the first providers to start offering an updated optometry programme, in September 2023, to fit the new requirements of the General Optical Council. Our Master of Optometry (MOptom) is studied over four years, with clinical experience integrated throughout the programme from year one. In the final stage, all students complete a 44-week period of external Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP) delivered in collaboration with the College of Optometrists.Optometrists are professional clinicians responsible for multiple aspects of vision care, specialising in preserving sight by diagnosing and treating visual problems. They are trained to examine the eyes and detect disorders originating in the eye, brain or other parts of the body. Studying Optometry at Aston will give you the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and clinical experience needed to prepare you for a rewarding career in this exciting field of healthcare.You’ll experience a wide range of learning methods and opportunities like:Supervised hands-on clinical experience working with patients at the Aston Eye Clinic, based on our vibrant city centre campus.Virtual reality training simulators to help you develop your skills and expertise.Clinical experience in multiple external settings such as specialist clinics, local hospital eye departments and community practices. Patient-facing clinical experience begins in year 1 of the programme.Interprofessional learning with students from a range of health professions.Year 1You will develop your knowledge of the scientific principles that underpin optometry while acquiring a range of core clinical skills. You will begin to demonstrate professional skills and behaviours that are required for registration as an optometrist and complete a one-week period of external clinical learning at a local practice.Year 2You will further your knowledge of the scientific foundations of the profession and extend your skills in clinical assessment and interpretation. A range of person-centred care themes are explored in readiness for increasing patient exposure. By the end of the year, you’ll be able to complete a full eye examination, fit a variety of contact lenses, advise on spectacles and perform a range of techniques to investigate binocular vision.Year 3You will see a wide range of patients in our public service clinic and gain experience in specialist optometry services. Develop further knowledge in areas such as ocular disease and abnormality, and specialist practice and refine your professional skills required for a career in optometry. You will work on our virtual reality simulators to gain experience of a wide range of ocular disorders.Final YearYou will work under supervision as a student optometrist during your 44-week paid CLiP placement. You will be supported in applying for and securing a CLiP placement by the Careers and Placements team, the Aston School of Optometry careers tutor, and the College of Optometrists. As you’ll be based away from Aston, course material will be delivered online and you’ll have regular tutorials to stay in touch with your tutors and fellow students. Once you have successfully completed stage 4 and achieved the MOptom, you’ll be able to apply to join the GOC register as a qualified optometrist.Key course benefits:

• Ranked 10th in the UK for Health Professions (MOptom) (Guardian University Guide 2024).

• 1st in the UK for Student/Staff Ratio in Health Professions (Optometry) (Guardian University Guide, 2024).

• 2nd in the UK for Graduate Prospects – on track - in Optometry, Ophthalmics & Orthoptics (Complete University Guide, 2025).

• Aston is ranked in Top 6 in the UK for Optometry (Complete University Guide 2025).

• 94.2% of students felt positive about teaching on their course (NSS 2024)

• This course is regulated by the General Optical Council (GOC) and allows you to register as a qualified optometrist

Our integrated curriculum structure allows you to see how the material you learn throughout the course is connected. You’ll study twelve integrated themes, within three broad areas of study: The Professional: Themes focusing on the safe and effective delivery of care and supporting you in the development of your professional identity as an optometrist, including developing an evidence-based approach to practice. The Patient: Themes covering health and disease, ocular structure and function, and how optometrists examine the eye to detect abnormality. You will learn how to examine the eyes using a wide range of the latest technology. The Management: Themes focusing on how optometrists manage patients using optical appliances including spectacles, contact lenses and low vision aids, pharmacology and prescribing. Themes run throughout the course, so you build on your knowledge and skills in a progressive way. Year 1 You will develop your knowledge of the scientific principles that underpin optometry, while acquiring a range of core clinical skills. You will begin to demonstrate professional skills and behaviours which are required for registration as an optometrist and complete a one-week period of external clinical learning at a local practice. Year 2 You will further your knowledge of the scientific foundations of the profession and extend your skills in clinical assessment and interpretation. A range of person-centred care themes are explored in readiness for increasing patient exposure. By the end of the year, you’ll be able to complete a full eye examination, fit a variety of contact lenses, advise on spectacles and perform a range of techniques to investigate binocular vision. Year 3 You will see a wide range of patients in our public service clinic and gain experience in specialist optometry services. Develop further knowledge in areas such as ocular disease and abnormality, specialist practice and refine your professional skills required for a career in optometry. You will work on our virtual reality simulators to gain experience of a wide range of ocular disorders. Year 4 You will work under supervision as a student optometrist during your 44 week paid CLiP placement. You will be supported in applying for and securing a CLiP placement by the Careers and Placements team, the Aston School of Optometry careers tutor, and the College of Optometrists. As you’ll be based away from Aston, course material will be delivered online and you’ll have regular tutorials to stay in touch with your tutors and fellow students. Once you have successfully completed stage 4 and achieved the MOptom, you’ll be able to apply to join the GOC register as a qualified optometrist.