Optometry BSc

Institution City University London
Method At the institution
Location London
Type Undergraduate
Course fee By request

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Optometry BSc

Objectives Our general aims are: 1. to provide a supportive learning environment which fosters academic and personal development. 2. to make appropriate use of a range of teaching and learning methods and resources to provide education and training that is relevant, intellectually challenging and enjoyable. 3. to develop students’ analytical, critical and problem-solving faculties and their ability to produce original work. Our specific aims are to provide students with: 1. a broad and integrated knowledge of the theoretical and applied principles of the anatomical, physiological and perceptual aspects of the visual system. 2. a detailed knowledge of structural and functional anomalies of the visual system, their investigation and management of the care optometric practitioners. 3. a detailed knowledge of a wide-range of optical appliances and the ability to dispense satisfactorily to patients. 4. an awareness of the legal, ethical and commercial restraints and constraints within which optometry operates. 5. the ability to translate theory into practice in a clinical setting. 6. interpersonal skills so that graduates may communicate effectively with all types of patients and other health care professionals. 7. an understanding of the role of optometry as a primary health care profession within the framework of the health care delivery system of the United Kingdom. 8. an understanding of methods for correcting refractive errors by procedures involving altering the dimensions of the eye. 9. a sound scientific knowledge of the discipline in support of clinical practice and lifelong learning. 10. a range of transferable skills. When students leave the University they should be able to: 1. demonstrate a sound understanding of key aspects of optometry and vision science leading to the achievement of satisfactory performance in each of the General Optical Council’s “Core Competencies”. 2. demonstrate sufficient expertise in identifying ocular pathology and the signs of general pathology as affecting the eye, so that patients may be appropriately managed and referred if necessary 3. exhibit practical skills in performing efficiently and safely a complete eye examination routine, with expertise in the use of a wide range of diagnostic equipment 4. demonstrate the ability to interpret logically the patient's symptoms and history and the results of clinical tests, leading to the formation of a patient management plan 5. demonstrate that they have acquired a wide range of transferable, lifelong and independent learning skills 6. demonstrate an understanding of the theory and practice of optical dispensing, contact lens fitting and aftercare, and the examination of the visually impaired 7. demonstrate an awareness of the primary health care role of optometry in the multidisciplinary environment of modern optometry 8. use appropriate interpersonal and communication skills 9. show an appropriate professional attitude towards patients and colleagues 10. demonstrate critical skills for the evaluation of new concepts, procedures, techniques and products relevant to optometric practice 11. demonstrate the ability to apply research findings to practice 12. demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of all areas of human, physical and visual sciences that underpin optometry 13. demonstrate an adequate level of skill and knowledge to enable them to commence practice under supervision as primary care optometrists in their pre-registration year
Academic title Optometry BSc
Course description Studying optometry and visual science at City will prepare you for a medically related profession that offers independent and rewarding work with patients and has flexible career opportunities. Optometry involves the study of visual defects and the ways in which these can be corrected or relieved: this ranges from the prescription of lenses to correct short or long sight to advice on eye surgery. Most of the graduates of the programme seek to become registered optometrists and some may move into careers that involve research, teaching or health management.

Background

City University has been training Optometrists (previously known as Ophthalmic Opticians since 1927 so we have had plenty of time to get it right! The current three year programme admits 112 students each year and fully meets the requirements of the General Optical Council (GOC). Graduates are required to work under supervision for a fourth year before taking the Final Assessment Examinations organised by the College of Optometrists and qualifying as an Optometrist.

The City Optometry programme was awarded 23/24 in the last inspection carried out by the Quality Assurance Agency. The quality of our teaching, facilities and student support were singled out for particular praise.

Students benefit from very well equipped laboratories and clinics, experienced academic staff and access to a wide range of patients through our links with Moofields Eye Hospital.

The current programme was revised in 2007 and has been highly praised by internal audit and external examiners. Our students do very well in the professional qualifying exams and the programme is highly regarded by employers.