OPT006: Paediatric Optometry

This module provides you with comprehensive theoretical knowledge to provide a high standard of eyecare to children of all ages. It builds on core competence of all optometrists, with a requirement for higher level understanding and knowledge. During the module your learning will extend from general ocular and refractive development in infancy towards the theory underpinning ocular assessment of infants. This includes enhancing your knowledge towards the provision of holistic paediatric eye care. This module is a precursor for module OPT033 Paediatric Optometry (Practical) and is a distance learning only module. There is no practical component to this module. Along with OPT033 Paediatric Eye Care 2 (Practical), this module is accredited by the College of Optometrists to provide the Professional Certificate in Paediatric Eye Care.

Start date	September
Duration	100 hours
Credits	10 credits - CET points available
Prerequisites	None
Module tutors	Maggie Woodhouse
Tuition fees (2025/26)	£690 - Home students £1290 - International students
Tuition fees (2026/27)	£710 - Home students £1330 - International students
Module code	OPT006

Learning objectives

On completion of the module you should be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to critique one’s own practice in paediatric eye care, develop means of improvement and explore integration of knowledge into comprehensive management of children's eye care (ILO1)
• Critically reflect a knowledge of complex, controversial and/ or contentious issues related to paediatric eye care and be able to apply them to challenges in optometric practice (ILO2)
• Examine and reflect on the benefit of inter-professional teamwork in the delivery of optometric care for children, and opportunities to act on constructive feedback (ILO3)
• Explore, critically analyse, synthesis and evaluate evidence-based literature, guidelines and underpinning theories in paediatric eye care and apply this knowledge to given scenarios, demonstrating how you would determine the most appropriate solutions for a patient accessing paediatric ophthalmic care (ILO4)
• Present and defend balanced and informed arguments, incorporating critical judgment and decision making in written work (ILO5)

How the module will be delivered

This module is taught via:

• an online introductory webinar to outline the course.
• online lectures (Powerpoint with audio) delivered via Learning Central, the University’s e-learning system, with supporting resources and references supplied.
• webinars with Key Features Scenarios and a discussion led by the module teachers.

This is a distance learning only module.

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

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

Syllabus content

• General and ocular development in infancy
• Refractive development, and distribution of refractive errors throughout childhood
• Assessment of refractive error and prescribing for children
• Development of normal and abnormal binocular vision
• Assessment of binocular vision in infants and children and management of abnormalities
• Tests and techniques for assessing vision in children and expected values
• The role of the optometrist in specific learning difficulties
• Language development in children and communicating with children, parents and professionals
• Vision screening in childhood
• Assessment of ocular health and common defects in childhood
• Dispensing for children
• Safeguarding children (level 2)
• Introduction to research techniques

Skills that will be practised and developed

• Academic skills
• Digital Skills
• Researching
• Problem solving
• Knowledge application
• Independent and critical thinking

How the module will be assessed

Formative assessment will enable you to assess your progress:

• A case record (not counting towards the mark) should include reflection and appropriate references. Feedback will be provided.

Summative assessments which contribute to your module mark:

• Written coursework (50%, ~2000 words): You will submit a piece of written coursework (ILOs 2,3,5).
• Case records (50%, ~1500 words): You will submit a full case record. The records should include reflection and appropriate references (IOLs 1,4,5).

For the College Professional Certificate, students are required to submit four case records from their clinical practice over the two modules, including at least one involving communication with another (non-eye care) professional. The summative case record in OPT006 forms one of the required four.

How to apply

Please contact our postgraduate team.