OPT002: Low Vision 2 - Practical

This module provides you with the practical training to provide a high standard of low vision care for people with visual impairment.

During this module you learn how to apply your knowledge of evidenced based low vision practice in a live clinical setting. You will further develop your knowledge in practical, holistic low vision care whilst building your clinical expertise and confidence to manage low vision cases.

This module is composed of online taught components and two practical training and assessment days that would normally require attendance in Cardiff.

Start date	September and January
Duration	100 hours
Credits	10 credits - CET points available
Prerequisites	OPT001
Module tutors	Marek Karas and Natalie Lucas
Tuition fees (2025/26)	£690 - Home students £1290 - International students
Tuition fees (2026/27)	£710 - Home students £1330 - International students
Module code	OPT002

Along with OPT001, this module is accredited by the College of Optometrists to provide the Professional Certificate in Low Vision. Practitioners in the UK may be eligible to apply for an exemption from OPT001 and begin at OPT002 if you have completed LOCSU Low Vision and case discussion coursework within the last three years. To study OPT002, students must have either completed OPT001 or an equivalent, or study both OPT001 and OPT002 at the same time.

There are GOC CPD points available on completion of applicable elements of the module.

Learning objectives

On completion of the module, you should be able to:

• Evaluate up to date concepts of low vision rehabilitation and be able to adapt the optometric techniques to a patient with visual impairment, applying them to challenges within their own environment and practice (ILO1)
• Examine and reflect on inter-professional teamwork in the delivery of low vision rehabilitation, respecting the roles of others and acknowledging the limits of their own skills/experience (ILO2)
• Present balanced and informed arguments, incorporating critical judgment and decision making in practical assessments (ILO3)
• Effectively reflect on and critically evaluate knowledge of low vision practice in a clinical setting(ILO4)
• Assess an individual’s needs, the effects of sight impairment on visual function, activities of everyday life and psychological wellbeing, and to rank and prioritise options for management (ILO5)
• Problem solve and develop solutions/management plans in low vision practice based on evidence and sound professional and clinical judgment (ILO6)

How the module will be delivered

This module is taught using practical training in the form of workshops that are delivered over two days.

Supporting resources and references will be available to you via Learning Central, the University's virtual learning environment. In addition, there will be a welcome webinar, two webinars part-way though the term discussing methods of establishing magnification and one webinar exploring the assessment of visual function.

The module map which outlines key activities and dates is available via the module on Learning Central.

Discussions boards accessed via Learning Central will provide a platform for you to discuss any questions or queries that come up throughout the term with both the course tutors and your peers.

Syllabus content

The practical workshops, online discussions and written submission will cover the following areas:

• History and symptoms
• Goal setting and prioritising need
• Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and visual fields in low vision
• Estimating magnification
• Spectacle mounted high addition low vision aids
• Optical low vision aids and their use
• Non-optical low vision aids and adaptations
• Practical contrast enhancement in everyday life
• Referral to other agencies and professionals
• Services provided by other agencies
• Understanding depression associated with visual impairment

Skills you will practise and develop

Academic skills

• Advance your knowledge and understanding
• Collate and synthesise information from several resources to improve learning
• Write concisely and clearly for the academic and clinical community
• Interpret data

Generic skills

• Manage projects and time
• Work independently
• Use a range of IT software packages and online resources
• Problem-solving

How the module will be assessed

Formative assessment will enable you to assess your progress:

• You will have access to interactive examples of calculating LogMAR acuity and contrast sensitivity.

Summative assessments which contribute to your module mark:

• Practical assessment (50%): You will be assessed by carrying out a full low-vision assessment on a volunteer low-vision patient.
• Written coursework (50%): You must create a ‘directory’ of low vision services provided in your area.

How to apply

Please contact our postgraduate team.