OPT035: Practical Prescribing
This module aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to provide a high standard of practical prescribing.
This module concentrates on practical prescribing for anterior eye and glaucoma related eye conditions. In total there are two contact sessions which include the teaching day at the end of Semester 1 and an examination for OPT035 during Semester 2.
Along with OPT034 and OPT036, this module is accredited by the General Optical Council for the Independent Prescribing Qualification and there are CET points available on completion of applicable elements of the module.
This module can only be studied as part of the full Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Prescribing, but credits from that award may be able to be applied to the MSc or postgraduate diploma in Clinical Optometry.
| Start date | September |
|---|---|
| Credits | 20 credits - CET points available |
| Prerequisites | OPT034 |
| Module tutors | Angela Whitaker |
| Tuition fees (2024/25) | £1340 - Home students £2500 - International students |
| Module code | OPT035 |
Learning objectives
On completion of the module you should be able to:
- critically evaluate sources of information, advice and decision support in prescribing practice, taking into account current evidence-based practice.
- interpret the legal and professional framework for accountability and responsibility in relation to independent prescribing.
- apply knowledge of the pathophysiology, clinical features and natural course of the conditions being treated
- identify the nature and severity of the presenting condition and to generate an appropriate patient-specific clinical management plan
- apply knowledge of how to prescribe, safely, appropriately and cost effectively
- apply knowledge of how to take a shared approach to decision making by assessing patients’ needs for medicines, taking account of their preference
- analyse investigations to rank potential treatment options and to formulate, recommend and justify (by providing evidence of appraisal of the literature) an appropriate management plan for patients with ocular hypertension and glaucoma
- evaluate effectiveness of treatment to lower intra-ocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension and glaucoma and to review the management plan accordingly or not, defending and explaining the choice(s) made
How the module will be delivered
This module will be delivered through online lectures, a webinar, case based learning, and a series of online articles.
This module is studied over two semesters. It includes a face to face contact teaching day (Covid restrictions permitting) at the end of Semester one in which students take part in interactive teaching sessions including case studies.
Throughout the module students study with a series of distance learning articles and lectures delivered on Learning Central. There are interactive case discussions and other teaching activities in webinars.
All contact days and the webinar are mandatory activities.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Academic skills
- advance your own 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
Syllabus content
- glaucoma structure and function
- glaucoma and glaucoma related conditions: diagnosis and differential diagnosis
- glaucoma and glaucoma related conditions: management
- IOP and glaucoma medications
- gonioscopy in optometric practice
- evidence-based practice: NICE glaucoma guideline NG81 and other evidence sources
- risk, case mix and professional role of optometrists in glaucoma care
How the module will be assessed
Formative assessment:
Formative activities are presented online. You will also have the opportunity to submit a formative case report to obtain detailed feedback in advance of the summative case report.
Summative assessment:
- Online test (65%): There will be a two hour written online test during the second semester.
- Case reports (35%): You will be required to submit one case report early in the second semester on a patient with ocular hypertension, glaucoma, or a glaucoma related condition.
