OPT005: Acute Eye Care 2

This module builds on the knowledge acquired in OPT004 Acute Eyecare in Optometry 1 and aims to enhance your practical skillset and decision-making in acute eye care practice.

During the module you are encouraged to use advanced instrumentation to investigate certain acute eye problems and work through case history scenarios of acute eye conditions. Your learning will be focused on the assessment, diagnosis and triage of acute eye care problems. The online learning components are supplemented with one in-person contact day that requires attendance at Cardiff University.

Start date	January
Duration	100 hours
Credits	10 credits - CET points available
Prerequisites	OPT004
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	OPT005

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

Learning objectives

Upon completion of the module you should be able to:

• Evaluate modern key concepts of acute eye care and demonstrate a critical approach to the application of discipline-specific advanced specialist skills when assessing acute eye care cases. (ILO1).
• Assess signs and symptoms of acute eye conditions to formulate differential diagnosis and make an evidence-informed judgment for their management (ILO2).
• Understand organisations, their stakeholders and their impact when examining and reflecting on the benefits of inter-professional teamwork in the delivery of acute care (ILO3).
• Critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate evidence-based literature, clinical guidelines and underpinning theories in acute eye care practice to assess practice and methods of management (ILO4).

How the module will be delivered

This module is taught by means of online sessions of guided learning through Xerte lectures, podcasts with experts and interactive learning through webinars

There is a contact day in Cardiff which will include case-based learning and practical workshops on relevant practical skills for acute eyecare.

Discussion boards accessed via Learning Central will provide a platform for you to discuss any cases and queries with course tutors and your peers.

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

Syllabus content

• Common acute presentations to primary and secondary eye care.
• Assessment, diagnosis and management of red eye conditions.
• Triage and management of ocular trauma
• Instrumentation & techniques used in examination & assess retina (including peripheral retina.)
• Investigation and assessment of sudden loss of vision.
• Investigation and assessment of sudden onset diplopia.

Skills you will practise and develop

• Academic Skills
• Digital Skills
• Researching
• Reflective practice
• Knowledge application
• Decision making skills
• Clinical examination techniques and practical skills
• Independent and critical thinking

How the module will be assessed

Formative assessment will enable you to assess your progress:

• A case report submission for feedback. There will also be practice extended matching questions and Short Answer Questions

Summative assessments which contribute to your module mark:

• Written Coursework (50%, ~2000 words, ILOs 1, 2, 3, 4): You will submit a written piece of coursework in the form of a case report.
• Online exam (50%, approximately 2 hours duration, ILOs 1, 2, 4). You will sit a final exam made up of Extended Matching Questions and Short Answer Questions. The exam will assess the application of your knowledge and decision-making skills.
• Practical day (0%, ILOs 1, 2, 3, 4): In-person attendance at the practical workshops is mandatory for you to pass the module.

How to apply

Please contact our postgraduate team.