OPT009: Glaucoma Foundation

This module provides you with background knowledge and understanding about the pathogenesis and detection of glaucoma and to provide a consistent approach to referral refinement/ repeated measures pathways in community primary care.

During this course you will learn about the epidemiology and risk factors of various types of glaucoma, with a focus on chronic open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Your knowledge relating to clinical signs of glaucoma will also be enhanced using an evidence-based approach.

This is a distance learning only module and has no practical component. There are CPD points available on completion of applicable elements of the module.

This is a precursor for OPT010 Glaucoma 1. Along with OPT010, this module is accredited by the College of Optometrists to provide the Professional Certificate in Glaucoma.

Start date	September
Duration	100 hours
Credits	10 credits - CET points available
Prerequisites	None
Module tutors	Justine Davies
Tuition fees (2025/26)	£690 - Home students £1290 - International students
Tuition fees (2026/27)	£710 - Home students £1330 - International students
Module code	OPT009

Practitioners in the UK may be eligible to apply for an exemption from this module and begin at OPT010 if they have completed LOCSU Glaucoma within the last three years

Learning objectives

On completion of this module you should be able to:

• Examine a knowledge of issues related to glaucoma care with a focus on case finding and management in community primary care as informed by evidence-based practice (ILO1).
• Critically evaluate and apply modern key concepts of glaucoma care to challenges within your own environment and practice, giving consideration to stakeholders and impact on the community (ILO2).
• Systematically evaluate and synthesise the risks, signs and symptoms of glaucomatous eye disease to make a differential diagnosis and to rank options for diagnosis and management (ILO3).
• Explore and critically analyse evidence-based literature, guidelines and underpinning theories in glaucoma care and apply this knowledge to given scenarios, including an appreciation of the importance of interdisciplinary healthcare (ILO4).

How the module will be delivered

This module is taught via online lectures (Powerpoint with audio) and Xerte tutorials, delivered via Learning Central, the University’s e-learning system, with supporting resources and references supplied.

There is an introductory webinar and a teaching webinar. 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

• Epidemiology and risk factors of the various types of glaucoma, particularly concentrating on COAG and ocular hypertension (OHT)
• Difference between open and narrow anterior chamber angle and primary and secondary glaucoma, and how to form a basic classification based on these differences
• The specific signs of glaucomatous optic disc changes
• The link between intra-ocular pressure (IOP) and glaucoma, and revise the extraneous and measurement errors which affect measurement of IOP
• The underlying anatomy and physiology which dictate where and why visual field loss occurs in chronic open angle glaucoma (COAG)
• Choosing the most appropriate field examination for investigation of suspect COAG
• NICE guidelines for monitoring of previously diagnosed and untreated OHT and suspect glaucoma
• NICE guidelines for referral of OHT and COAG from primary to secondary care.
• The link between IOP and glaucoma, and revise the extraneous and measurement errors which affect measurement of IOP
• The principles of Van Herick’s technique and the variations in the angle

Skills that will be practised and developed

• Academic skills
• Referencing
• Researching
• Studying and learning
• Knowledge application
• Independent and critical thinking

How the module will be assessed

• Online Test (100%, approximately 1.5hrs duration): There is an online test that will assess your comprehension and application across the entire syllabus (ILOs 1,2,3,4).

How to apply

Please contact our postgraduate team.