OPT035: Practical Prescribing
This module aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to provide a high standard of practical prescribing.
This module concentrates on practical prescribing for glaucoma related eye conditions. In total there are two contact days which include the teaching day at the end of Semester 1 (which takes place the day after the exam for OPT034), and an examination for OPT035 during Semester 2 (which is held the day before the contact teaching day for module OPT036).
Along with OPT034 and OPT036, this module is accredited by the General Optical Council for the Independent Prescribing Qualification.
This module can only be studied as part of the full Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Prescribing, but credits from that award may be able to be applied to the MSc or postgraduate diploma in Clinical Optometry.
| Start date | September |
|---|---|
| Credits | 20 credits - CET points available |
| Prerequisites | OPT034 |
| Module tutors | Angela Whitaker |
| Tuition fees (2020/21) | £1240 - Home students £2310 - Students from outside the EU *Please contact us for EU fees. |
| Module code | OPT035 |
Learning objectives
On successful completion of the module you should be able to:
- critically evaluate sources of information, advice and decision support in prescribing practice, taking into account current evidence-based practice
- understand the legal and professional framework for accountability and responsibility in relation to independent prescribing
- demonstrate a knowledge of the pathophysiology, clinical features and natural course of the conditions being treated
- identify the nature and severity of the presenting condition and to generate an appropriate patient-specific clinical management plan
- demonstrate an understanding of how to prescribe, safely, appropriately and cost effectively
- demonstrate an understanding of how to take a shared approach to decision making by assessing patients’ needs for medicines, taking account of their preference
- combine the information from investigations to rank potential treatment options and to formulate, recommend and justify (by providing evidence of appraisal of the literature) an appropriate management plan for patients with ocular hypertension and glaucoma
- evaluate the effectiveness of treatment to lower intra-ocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension and glaucoma and to review the management plan accordingly or not, defending and explaining the choice(s) made.
How the module will be delivered
This module will be delivered through online lectures, a webinar, case based learning, and a series of online articles.
This module is studied over 2 semesters. It includes an online contact teaching day at the end of Semester 1 in which you will take part in interactive teaching sessions including case studies.
Throughout the module, you will study with a series of distance learning articles and lectures delivered on Learning Central. There are interactive case discussions and other teaching activities in a webinar, and formative assignments are offered to guide and enhance your learning.
All contact days and the webinar are mandatory activities.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Academic skills
- Advance your own knowledge and understanding
- Collate and synthesise information from several resources to improve learning
- Write concisely and clearly for the academic and clinical community
- Interpret data
Generic skills
- Manage projects and time
- Work independently
- Use a range of IT software packages and online resources
- Problem solving
Syllabus content
- Glaucoma structure and function
- Glaucoma and glaucoma related conditions: diagnosis and differential diagnosis
- Glaucoma and glaucoma related conditions: management
- IOP and glaucoma medications
- Gonioscopy in optometric practice
- Evidence-based practice: NICE glaucoma guideline NG81 and other evidence sources
- Risk, case mix and professional role of optometrists in glaucoma care
How the module will be assessed
Formative assessment:
Formative activities are presented online. You will also have the opportunity to submit a formative case report to obtain detailed feedback in advance of the summative case report.
Summative assessment:
- Online test (65%): There will be a two hour written online test during the second semester.
- Case reports (35%): You will be required to submit one case report early in the second semester on a patient with ocular hypertension, glaucoma, or a glaucoma related condition.
