OPT051 - Primary Eye Care Theory
This module recognises that differences exist between the knowledge and clinical skillset of practitioners both within the UK and worldwide.
It aims to provide you with the opportunity to update your theoretical knowledge in good, contemporary optometric practice, as aligned with current UK professional standards, to that of a modern eye care professional.
This will be achieved via studying key areas of contemporary clinic practice including standards of practice, professional conduct, communication, record keeping, investigative techniques and binocular vision assessment.
To accompany these themes content exploring current understanding is aligned to worldwide, prevalent eye pathologies including glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataract, and diabetic eye disease. The teaching strategy focuses on the evidence base underpinning clinical investigation and decision making relating to the diagnosis and management of these common ocular pathologies.
| Start date | September |
|---|---|
| Credits | 10 |
| Prerequisites: | None |
| Module tutors: | Grant Robinson |
| Tuition fees (2025/26) | £690 - Home students £1290 - International students |
| Tuition fees (2026/27) | £710 - Home students £1330 - International students |
| Module code | OPT051 |
Additional useful information
There is no practical element to this module. The practical skills to complement this module are taught in OPT052 Primary Eye Care Practical, where you will be taught to perform the current recommended investigative techniques for commonly encountered ocular pathologies, and how modern instrumentation is used in the differential diagnosis and management process.
Learning objectives
On completion of this module you should be able to:
- apply the standards of practice, communication, record keeping and interprofessional teamwork required in UK optometric practice
- apply a critical understanding of optometric pathology and practice to systematically inform differential diagnosis, clinical decision making and management of glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, and cataract
- convey a critical awareness of key investigative techniques used in routine optometric practice including visual field assessment, anterior chamber evaluation, intra-ocular pressure measurement and diagnostic ophthalmic drugs
- establish an increased knowledge and understanding of binocular vision development and use this to identify binocular vision anomalies (adult and paediatric) and inform clinical investigation to reach appropriate conclusions relating to management
How the module will be delivered
This module is taught via recorded online lectures and Xerte interactive presentations, delivered via Learning Central, the University’s e-learning system, with supporting resources and references supplied.
There are three webinars involving case discussions for guided learning.
Discussion 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.
There is no practical element to this module; the complementary skills training is found in OPT019 (Primary Eye Care Update: Practical).
The module map which outlines key activities and dates is available via the module on Learning Central.
Syllabus content
Professionalism and standards
- an introduction to UK optometry
- an introduction to UK law: regulation and legislation
- history, symptoms, and record keeping
- communication and professional conduct in optometric practice
Common ocular pathology
Cataract
- types and grading
- preoperative assessment and consideration
- complications of surgery
Glaucoma
- definitions and risk factors
- NICE guidelines: glaucoma
Age-related macular degeneration
- overview, clinical features and optometric investigation
- current treatment and optometric management in practice
Diabetic eye disease
- identification and grading
- management
Investigative techniques (theory)
- IOP and tonometry
- visual fields – interpretation of results
- anterior chamber evaluation
- commonly used ophthalmic drugs in routine practice
Binocular vision
- introduction to binocular vision in practice
- paediatric binocular vision development
- incomitant strabismus, heterophoria, and convergence insufficiency
Skills that will be practised and developed
- academic skills
- digital skills
- researching
- studying and learning
- writing
- knowledge application
- effective communication
- independence of thought
- problem solving
- critical thinking
How the module will be assessed
This module contains formative and summative assessments.
Formative
You will complete four exercises of Key Features Scenarios to test clinical reasoning, problem solving ability and the ability to apply given knowledge.
You will also have an opportunity to submit a formative written case report and receive feedback.
Summative
The summative assessments will include:
- online test (50%): there is an online MCQ (multiple choice question) test that will assess your comprehension and application across the entire syllabus (ILO 1-4)
- written case report (50%): you will be required to submit one piece of written coursework detailing a case report on a primary eye care patient (ILO 1,2,3)
The pass mark for each component is 50%. You must pass each individual assessment component to pass the module.
Marking criteria for this module are available in the Module information on Learning Central.
How to apply
Please contact our postgraduate team.
Postgraduate team
School of Optometry and Vision Sciences
