OPT043: Ophthalmic Therapeutic Laser Procedures

This module covers YAG laser capsulotomy, selective laser trabeculoplasty and YAG laser peripheral iridotomy.

It provides theoretical and introductory practical simulation training in ophthalmic therapeutic laser procedures for eye care practitioners. Course participants may include optometrists, ophthalmologists, and other non-medical ophthalmic practitioners such as ophthalmic nurses or orthoptists.

In addition to the online content attendance at a practical teaching and assessment day hosted at the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences in Cardiff is compulsory.

It is recommended that participants are already competent in assessment of the anterior chamber angle using gonioscopy prior to attending the practical training day.

Successful completion of this module does not provide accreditation for independently delivering therapeutic ophthalmic laser procedures to patients.

Start date	September
Duration	One academic term
Credits	20 credits
Prerequisites	None
Module tutors	Deacon Harle
Tuition fees (2025/26)	£1390 - Home students £2590 - International students
Tuition fees (2026/27)	£1420 - Home students £2660 - International students
Module code	OPT043

Learning objectives

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

• Demonstrates a deep and systematic understanding of ophthalmic lasers and ophthalmic conditions which may require therapeutic laser treatments (ILO1).
• Critical decision making in managing minor and major complications of ophthalmic therapeutic laser procedures (ILO2).
• Depth of knowledge of the key evidence base and national clinical guidelines for therapeutic laser interventions in cataract, OHT and the glaucoma’s (ILO3)
• Command of a range of advanced specialised skills adapted to multiple contexts, including: performing laser procedures on model eyes, performing gonioscopy and undertaking consent procedures (ILO4).
• Professional judgement when reviewing and analysing real and simulated patient clinical data for cataract, OHT and the glaucoma’s, to risk assess and confirm appropriate treatment options including indications and contraindications of therapeutic laser procedures (ILO5)
• Critical approach to existing theories and approaches in therapeutic laser treatments including appreciation of the interrelationship with other medical and surgical treatment options (ILO6).
• Demonstrate effective and empathetic communication with diverse simulated patients, engendering a positive culture of shared decision making when discussing risks and benefits of, and obtaining informed consent for, ophthalmic therapeutic laser procedures (ILO7)
• Incorporate a critical ethical accountability in relation to self, others, and academic/practice community (ILO8)

How the module will be delivered

This module is taught via pre-recorded online lectures, a webinar, an online teaching day, supporting resources delivered on Learning Central and a practical training day at Cardiff University.

During the term facilitated discussion boards accessed via Learning Central provide a platform for you to discuss any questions or share knowledge with course tutors and peers.

The practical training day will be hosted at Cardiff University, where you will learn practical ophthalmic therapeutic laser procedures using the laser simulation training suite, as well as have opportunities to refine gonioscopy skills and the process for obtaining informed patient consent.

Attendance at the contact practical training day is mandatory.  Please contact PGOptom@cardiff.ac.uk for more information about course dates if you will need advance notice to schedule your attendance.

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

Syllabus content

• Gonioscopy, glaucoma and cataract recap
• Ophthalmic Laser Safety
• Patient Care and Consent
• Lasers in OHT and COAG
• Lasers in PAC / PACS and PACG
• Capsulotomy (YAG)

Skills that will be practised and developed

• Academic skills
• Reflective practice
• Knowledge application
• Optometric techniques and practical skills
• Effective communication
• Ethical, social and environmental awareness
• Independent and critical thinking
• Reflection and resilience
• Collaborative
• Innovative, enterprising and commercial awareness

How the module will be assessed

Formative assessment will enable you to assess your progress:

• You will receive formative feedback on your practical skills from course tutors at the contact training day (ILO 4,5,7).

Summative assessments which contribute to your module mark:

• Online written exam (100%, approximately 2 hours). This is an electronic online exam that will assess knowledge and application across the entire syllabus (ILO 1-8).

How to apply

Please contact our postgraduate team.