OPT004: Acute Eye Care 1

This module provides you with the theoretical knowledge to provide a high standard of eye care to patients presenting with acute eye conditions in optometric practice.

During the module you will enhance your knowledge of the most common causes, signs and symptoms of red eye or acute vision loss. You will also learn about the contemporary techniques and investigations required to investigate and formulate a sound and evidence-based differential diagnosis. The module is delivered via distance learning only with no practical component.

Start date	September
Duration	100 hours
Credits	10 credits - CET points available
Prerequisites	None
Module tutors	Laura Heylin-Williams and Ivy Tang
Tuition fees (2025/26)	£690 - Home students £1290 - International students
Tuition fees (2026/27)	£710 - Home students £1330 - International students
Module code	OPT004

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

Learning objectives

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

• Demonstrate a critical approach to existing theories and approaches relating to complex issues in acute eye care.  (ILO1)
• Evaluate modern key concepts of acute eye care and apply them to patients as informed by clinical guidelines and contemporary research.  (ILO2)
• Examine and reflect on the benefits of inter-professional teamwork in the delivery of acute eye care (ILO3)
• Identify and articulate own skills, knowledge and understanding confidently and in a variety of contexts using a range of multi-media formats (ILO4)

How the module will be delivered

This module is taught via:

• Online lectures (PowerPoint and Xerte) delivered on Learning Central, the University’s e-learning system, with supporting resources and references supplied.
• Interactive learning through Webinars
• Discussion topics via the Discussion Board on Learning Central.

The Discussion Board will also provide a platform for you to discuss any questions or queries with tutors and peers.

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

Syllabus content

• The common causes of red eye and the presenting signs and symptoms and its management.
• Types of ocular trauma and how to manage them in primary eye care.
• Flashes and Floaters and how to investigate these symptoms.
• The techniques and instrumentation required to investigate the far retinal periphery.
• Aetiology, risk factors, assessment and management of AMD.
• The common causes of sudden loss of vision and how to investigate and manage them.
• Common causes of sudden onset of double vision and how to investigate and manage them in primary eye care.

Skills you will practise and develop

• Digital Skills
• Presenting
• Researching
• Reflective practice
• Knowledge application
• Effective communication
• Independent and critical thinking

How the module will be assessed

Formative assessment will enable you to assess your progress:

• Students will critique and discuss sample coursework presentations during an online webinar.

Summative assessments which contribute to your module mark:

• Online Summative Coursework and viva (50%, maximum 7 slides including titles and references, ILOs 1, 2, 3, 4):   A PowerPoint presentation on an acute case of red eye presenting to primary care or secondary care.  You will present this case online to course tutors, followed by a short viva exam. Students are assessed on the presentation and the ability to answer questions based on the content.
• Online Summative Exam (50%, approximately 2 hour duration, ILOs 1, 2, 4): This final exam will be made up of Extended Matching Questions and Key Feature Scenarios. The exam will assess your comprehension and application of knowledge across the entire syllabus.

How to apply