Completing a higher qualification
- provides an in-depth understanding of the conditions you deal with every day in practice
- develops new skills and knowledge so you can provide new patient services or take up new career opportunities
- formally acknowledges your expertise and commitment to your patients, profession and personal development through the relevant affix.
Higher qualifications also provide Masters level credits.
Choose your subject area
Higher qualifications reflect the latest research and thinking on key topics and conditions, enabling you to provide the highest standards of patient care. They cover five essential subject areas:
- Contact lens practice – enabling you to select and fit contact lenses for common eye conditions, and more complex contact lenses for refractive management, ocular surface abnormalities and disease.
- Glaucoma - enabling you to manage glaucoma and related conditions effectively, and participate in glaucoma clinics at varying levels of responsibility.
- Low vision - developing your skills in patient assessment and management and helping you to progress to more complex low vision cases and specialist populations
- Medical retina - preparing you for working in photography-based diabetic retinopathy screening services and/or working under supervision in medical retina triage clinics and AMD treatment clinics. Candidates completing the Professional Certificate will be automatically exempt from the majority of the NHS England DESP training.
- Paediatric eye care - helping you to adapt your routine to meet the specific needs of younger patients in a hospital or community setting.
Choose your level
Higher qualifications are suitable for optometrists at all stages of their careers and in all settings. There are three levels:
- Professional Certificate - boosting your confidence and skills, and enabling you to get more involved in community schemes.
- Professional Higher Certificate - enabling you to participate in community or hospital-based schemes involving the diagnosis, treatment and management of conditions such as glaucoma, or work in a consultant ophthalmologist-led medical retina service.
- Professional Diploma - designed for optometrists working in hospital clinics, or for community practitioners looking to offer commissioned services or run specialist clinics.
Choose your course
Higher qualification courses are developed and delivered by universities and hospitals and accredited by the College of Optometrists. They are delivered via a flexible combination of distance learning, coursework, assessments and practical sessions and, at higher levels, a portfolio of clinical experience.
Higher qualifications in contact lens practice
Professional Higher Certificate in Contact Lens Practice (Higher Cert CL)
This qualification is ideal for those looking to boost their knowledge, skills and confidence in advising and managing patients who wear contact lenses to control myopia and correct presbyopia and regular and irregular astigmatism, such as early keratoconus.
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes - Professional Higher Certificate in Contact Lens Practice.
Providers
At present no higher education provider is accredited to offer this course
Professional Diploma in Contact Lens Practice (Dip CL)
This qualification builds on knowledge and skills gained from the Professional Higher Certificate in Contact Lens Practice. Practitioners in community or hospital settings will be able to provide enhanced contact lens care for patients with more complex refractive and clinical needs, including assessing, fitting and managing specialist designs, including hybrids, mini-sclerals and sclerals, and treating young children.
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes - Diploma in Contact Lens Practice.
Providers
At present no higher education provider is accredited to offer this course
Key
KFS – key feature scenarios
MCQ - multiple choice questions
OSCE - objective structured clinical examination
PMCS - patient management case scenario
SAQ – short answer questions
VRICS - visual recognition and interpretation of clinical signs
Higher qualifications in glaucoma
The College’s higher qualifications in glaucoma enable optometrists to take on greater levels of responsibility in glaucoma clinics.
Professional Certificate in Glaucoma (Prof Cert Glauc)
This higher qualification is designed to prepare you to participate in formal ‘referral refinement’ and OHT/ suspect COAG monitoring schemes. Topics covered include; history taking, measuring OIP using a slit lamp, and performing and interpreting the results of the van Herick test.
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes - Professional Certificate in Glaucoma
Providers
Entry requirements
Only UK based GOC-registered optometrists are eligible to undertake the Professional Certificate.
Course length
4 months
Next course start date / how often course runs
Bi-annual intake; 1 October and 1 March.
Course delivery
Online distance learning based course with mandatory on campus workshop.
Placement
N/A.
Assessment
MCQ tests, Case studies, OSCEs.
Masters level credits
Level 7
Entry requirements
The course is open to GOC registered optometrists, HCPC registered orthoptists and NMC registered nurses working in ophthalmology. Applications from other practitioners will be considered on a case-by-case basis dependent on level of clinical glaucoma experience, current working environment and supervision. All applicants must be working in a patient-facing capacity.
Course length
The course can be completed flexibly, with a minimum duration of 3 months and a maximum duration of 24 months.
Next course start date / how often course runs
There are three intakes per year (Jan, June, Sept).
Course delivery
The course is delivered part-time by distance learning. Lectures are online, with a practical workshop at the University.
Placement
N/A
Assessment
Assessment is via written examination and a practical station-type exam.
Masters level credits
20 credits.
Entry requirements
GOC-registered optometrists and registered allied health professionals.
Course length
Four months.
Course delivery
Online interactive learning, webinars and discussion boards, practical workshops including case discussions.
Placement
No placement.
Assessment
Written assessment inc online KFS, VRICS, MCQs and webinars, practical assessment (OSCE).
Masters level credits
20.
Entry requirements
You should be a UK GOC registered optometrist satisfying all legal requirements to be eligible to practise in the UK. Overseas optometrists/medical practitioners will be accepted on an ad-hoc basis providing your undergraduate syllabus and clinical responsibilities are similar to those of a UK optometrist/medical practitioner.
Course length
Three months.
Course delivery
10 hours online self-directed learning, 7 hours synchronous learning and 1 day face to face practical classes and workshops.
Placement
N/A.
Assessment
- a written component consisting of three assessments (MCQs, SAQs and PMCSs)
- practical skills assessments which test your ability to examine patients and discuss observations and management options
Masters level credits
15
Next course start date
April 2025, once a year.
Entry requirements
Possess a minimum of a BSc (Hons) in Optometry or Orthoptics or equivalent. Other qualifications may be accepted and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Course length
Six months.
Next course start date / how often course runs
January 2025 / run annually.
Course delivery
Online learning, webinars, online synchronous day including lectures, tutorials, case discussions. In-person practical skills workshop.
Placement
Not required.
Assessment
Summative assessments which will include written exams and practical assessment (OSCE).
Masters level credits
15.
Entry requirements
Open to GOC registered optometrists.
Course length
1 Semester (15 weeks).
Next course start date / how often course runs
January 2022. Starts every January.
Course delivery method
The course is a mixture of online lectures, one day face to face teaching and one day of face to face assessments.
Placement / portfolio
Not applicable
Assessment
Assessment is by:
- Key Feature scenarios assessment
- VRICS
- Six OSCE stations
Masters level credits
20
Contact
Colin Davidson, Programme lead at c.davidson2@herts.ac.uk for more information and to apply
Entry requirements
Postgraduate optometrists and other eye health care professionals.
Next course start date / how often course runs
Jan 26 (September and January intakes).
Course length
Six months (from start to results being issued).
Course delivery
Online learning, live lectures and self-directed study, practical sessions.
Placement
N/A
Assessment
MCQs, SAQ, OSCE and DOPS
Masters level credits
15
Entry requirements
- Registered ophthalmic professional working in a clinical area that will facilitate the successful completion of the module learning outcomes.
- All registered optometrists are eligible to apply for this module. Other ophthalmic professionals are also eligible to apply for this module, however they must be able to provide a certified letter from their employer confirming an appropriate level of competence in the clinical examination of the eye, to include slit lamp examination, optic disc assessment with indirect biomicroscopy and Goldmann applanation tonometry.
Next course start date / how often course runs
January 2026 (Course runs Jan – June each year).
Course length
16 weeks.
Course delivery
Online learning, with one in-person clinical teaching day and an in-person assessment day.
Placement
Not required.
Assessment
- 40% Written Examination
- 30% Clinical Portfolio (case records)
- 30% OSCE examination
Masters level credits
20.
Entry requirements
Postgraduate optometrists and other health care practitioners with relevant clinical glaucoma experience.
Next course start date / how often course runs
Normally twice yearly in September and January.
Course length
15 weeks.
Course delivery
Part-time, blended learning (online learning material/assessment and on-campus tutorials/practicals/assessments).
Placement
No placement.
Assessment
Written assessment (inc MCQ, VRICS, SAQ, plus online discussion board participation), practical assessment (OSCE).
Masters level credits:
20.
Professional Higher Certificate in Glaucoma (Higher Cert Glauc)
This qualification is designed to prepare you for participation in community or hospital-based schemes involving the diagnosis of OHT and preliminary diagnosis of COAG. It will further develop your ability to detect change in clinical status, and subsequent decision making, as well as your management of patients with glaucoma.
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes - Professional Higher Certificate in Glaucoma
Providers
Entry requirements
- GOC registration as an optometrist or other registered health professional
- Hold Prof Cert Glaucoma
Course length
12 months indicative depending on placement.
Next course start date/how often course runs
Intakes in January and September each year
Course delivery
- Online learning
- Placement in glaucoma clinic (self-arranged)
- Optional attendance at on-campus gonioscopy workshops held quarterly
- Mandatory attendance for on-campus assessment day
Placement
Students enrolling on this course must have arranged a placement in a hospital glaucoma clinic under the mentorship of a consultant ophthalmologist. The placement must enable the student to gain experience of at least 150 relevant cases. As a minimum guideline, one session (half day) per week for 6 months is recommended.
Assessment
- Written exam
- Practical station exam
- Placement logbook including reflective essay
Masters level credits
20
Entry requirements
GOC-registered optometrists or other registered eyecare practitioner with a Professional Certificate in Glaucoma and a minimum of four months experience working under supervision in a glaucoma clinic prior to the start of the course.
Course length
Two terms (one academic year) including a supervised glaucoma clinic placement which should be undertaken alongside the course.
Next course start date
September (annually).
Course delivery
Online lectures, webinars, case discussions and discussion forum; two one-to-one online case discussion meetings with a glaucoma specialist optometrist tutor to assess communication skills, and to support overall progress.
Placement
Students are required to organise their own placement in a hospital glaucoma clinic to examine 150+ cases with a range of OHT, glaucoma suspect and glaucoma cases. Virtual review patients can be included. Recommended minimum of 12-18 months, including option to log up to 50 patients up to six months before course start.
Assessment
Written assessments including online test and extended case reports, practical assessments (OSCE), clinical reasoning viva, and logbook of patient episodes from the clinical placement.
Masters level credits
20
Entry requirements
Possess a minimum of a BSc (Hons) in Optometry or Orthoptics or equivalent. Other qualifications may be accepted. Please enquire to determine whether you are suitable to apply.
For those who choose to apply for The College of Optometrists qualification pathway:
- Possess the Professional Certificate in Glaucoma and affix
Course length
Six months.
Next course start date
January 2025 / Annually.
Course delivery
Online learning, webinars, online synchronous day including lectures, tutorials, case discussions. In-person practical skills workshop.
Placement
You can gain the College’s Professional Higher Certificate in Glaucoma on completion of this qualification and carrying out a clinical placement examining 150 suitable patients. Experienced practitioners will be able to APL this placement fully up to 150 patients. You will be required to arrange the placement yourselves with your local Hospital Eye Department.
Assessment
Summative assessments consisting of MCQs, Patient Management Case Scenarios (PMCS) followed by the OSCE stations exam. Following the placement and portfolio submission a VIVA exam is the final assessment.
Masters level credits
15.
Entry requirements
- Registered ophthalmic professional working in a clinical area that will facilitate the successful completion of the module learning outcomes.
- Students looking to obtain the College of Optometrists Professional Higher Certificate in Glaucoma, must already hold the College of Optometrists Professional Certificate in Glaucoma.
Course length
18 weeks (one academic term).
Next course start date
Runs once a year.
Course delivery
Blended learning approach: distance learning delivery of theoretical content, with one face-to-face clinical teaching day at the start of the module, a live webinar opportunity and one face-to-face assessment day at the end of the module.
Placement
Placement in a glaucoma clinic, under the mentorship of an ophthalmologist who specialises in glaucoma, to gain at least 150 patients of varying diagnosis and complexity
The placement is assessed through completion of a clinical logbook. As a minimum guideline, one session per week (half day), over a 6-9 month period is recommended.
Recognition Prior Learning (RPL) can be considered towards the clinical placement for those practitioners with at least 2 years’ experience working in glaucoma management on a regular basis (minimum of one session per week) within a hospital, clinic or appropriate setting. Please contact the module team for further information: acpophthalmology@plymouth.ac.uk
Assessment
The assessment for the module includes, written examination, clinical examination (OSCE) and a clinical portfolio with viva.
Masters level credits
20.
Professional Diploma in Glaucoma (Dip Glauc)
This course aims to prepare optometrists to provide either a community glaucoma service, or to work with a high degree of autonomy within a hospital glaucoma clinic. Topics covered include; pathogenesis of glaucomatous optic neuropathy, normal tension glaucoma and secondary glaucomas and monitoring and management of open angle glaucomas, primary angle closure (PAC) and primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG)
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes - Professional Diploma in Glaucoma
Providers
Entry requirements
GOC-registered optometrists with a Professional Certificate and Professional Higher Certificate in Glaucoma and at least two years’ post-qualification experience. Recommended to have a minimum of 3 years’ experience in glaucoma clinics before commencing course.
Course length
Two terms (one academic year).
Course delivery
Online lectures, webinars, case discussions and discussion forum; two one-to-one online case discussion meetings with glaucoma specialist optometrist tutor; one practical day including workshops, case presentations and case discussions.
Placement
Placement in a hospital glaucoma clinic to examine 250+ cases with a range of glaucoma and glaucoma related conditions.
Assessment
Written assessments including coursework assignments and written scenario station exam, case discussion viva, peer presentations, logbook/portfolio of 250 patient cases from placement/practice.
Masters level credits
20.
Entry requirements
Possess a minimum of a BSc (Hons) in Optometry or Orthoptics or equivalent. Other qualifications may be accepted. Please enquire to determine whether you are suitable to apply. For those who choose to apply for the College of Optometrists qualification students must possess the Professional Certificate in Glaucoma and the Professional Higher Certificate in Glaucoma affix.
Course length
Six months.
Next course start date / how often course runs
January 2025 / annually.
Course delivery
Online learning, webinars, two online synchronous days including lectures, tutorials and case discussions.
Placement
You can gain the College’s Professional Diploma in Glaucoma on completion of this qualification and carrying out a clinical placement examining 250 suitable patients. Experienced practitioners will be able to APL part of this placement up to a maximum of 150 patients. You will be required to arrange the placement yourselves with your local Hospital Eye Department.
Assessment
Summative assessments consisting of MCQs and patient management case scenarios followed by the OSCE stations exam. Following the placement and portfolio submission a VIVA exam is the final assessment.
Masters level credits
15.
Case studies
Salma Ali MCOptom Prof Cert Glauc
‘As an optometrist working in a primary care setting, it’s important to be able to detect early signs of glaucoma, and make timely referrals. The Professional Certificate in Glaucoma introduced me to new techniques that you don’t cover a university or in community practice, such as Smith’s method and the 24-2 Sita and Zata tests. And now I apply my learning in practice every day. It’s made me confident in interpreting visual fields and also when determining whether an optic disc is healthy.
‘Career progression is of utmost importance to me. I’m planning to complete the Higher Professional Certificate in Glaucoma next, so that I can venture on to hospital optometry within specialist glaucoma clinics.’
Shima Shah MCOptom Higher Cert Glauc
My employer asks for higher qualifications in glaucoma and prescribing, as they help to ensure that we all work to the same high standard to provide excellent and safe care.
When I started working in a glaucoma clinic ten years ago, we learnt ‘on the job’ and gradually picked things up. Now higher qualifications are becoming increasingly necessary, as the role of optometry within clinical care grows, They cover topics such as gonioscopy, prescribing and clinical decision making in much greater detail than anything I was exposed to at university or community practice. Now I am able to take on more complex clinical cases, and work independently.
John Gurney FCOptom Dip Glauc
Higher qualifications give you a licence to practice and develop you as an eye care professional. Without my higher qualifications, I couldn’t offer the same standard of high quality patient care or range of ophthalmology services that I currently offer in my practice. My Dip (Glauc) means that I am able to diagnose and manage, without consultant supervision, ocular hypertension, suspect glaucoma, and patients with a diagnosis of glaucoma for both the NHS or on a private basis. I can also prescribe any medications required.
The Higher Certificate and the Diploma are demanding in terms of study, time, commitment and finance. But, they are set at that level to ensure the competence of the optometrist managing complex conditions such as glaucoma in a community setting, and much more importantly, to ensure ongoing patient safety. If the qualifications weren’t so rigorous, GPs and ophthalmologists would not refer patients to us, and we could ultimately lose the multi-disciplinary approach for patient care, which benefits all.
Key
KFS – key feature scenarios
MCQ - multiple choice questions
OSCE - objective structured clinical examination
PMCS - patient management case scenario
SAQ – short answer questions
VRICS - visual recognition and interpretation of clinical signs
Higher qualifications in low vision
The College’s higher qualifications in low vision enable optometrists to provide high quality care to patients with non-complex and complex low vision.
Professional Certificate in Low Vision (Prof Cert LV)
This qualification provides the enhanced knowledge required for the holistic management of patients with visual impairment. Topics covered include; assessment of low vision: prescribing, dispensing and training in the use of electronic and optical low vision task appropriate device, and clinical low vision services and referral pathways.
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes - Professional Certificate in Low Vision
Providers
Entry requirements
GOC-registered optometrists and dispensing opticians and eye care professionals.
Course length
One term/four months.
Course delivery
Online lectures and case-based learning, one day of practical sessions, three one-to-one progress meetings.
Placement:
No.
Assessment
Written assessment inc MCQ, KFS, PMCS, online coursework, practical assessment (direct observation).
Masters level credits
20.
Entry requirements
You should be a UK registered optometrist satisfying all legal requirements to be eligible to practise in the UK. Overseas optometrists will be accepted on an ad hoc basis providing your undergraduate syllabus and clinical responsibilities are similar to those of a UK optometrist.
Course length
Three days.
Next course start date
28 April 2025 (Hybrid day)
29 April 2025 (In person day)
The course is run once every two years.
The self-directed learning material will be available from 18 March 2025.
Course delivery
The course is a combination of asynchronous (self-directed) and synchronous (face-to-face lectures and practical experience) with an option to attend online or in person.
- Day one - lectures only and in person only
- Day two - practical sessions, lectures and peer review
Placement
No.
Assessment
- Written assignment
- Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCEs)
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Exam date: 7 July 2025 (in person attendance required)
Masters level credits
15
Entry requirements
Optometrist or dispensing optician.
Course length
15 weeks.
Next course start date / how often course runs
January / two yearly.
Course delivery
A course with the option of completely online learning and assessment or hybrid learning (online learning and an element of two days face to face training / assessment).
Placement
N/A
Assessment
Three elements: one written assignment, one online course test, one practical face-to-face low vision patient assessment OR 1 online patient scenario based assessment.
Masters level credits
20 credits at level 7.
Professional Higher Certificate in Low Vision (Higher Cert LV)
This qualification enables optometrists to provide an enhanced standard of low vision care for specialist groups of patients. Topics covered include; assessing and managing patients with low vision, optical and non-optical devices and mental health and low vision.
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes - Professional Higher Certificate in Low Vision
Providers
At present no higher education provider is accredited to offer this course
Key
KFS – key feature scenarios
MCQ - multiple choice questions
OSCE - objective structured clinical examination
PMCS - patient management case scenario
SAQ – short answer questions
VRICS - visual recognition and interpretation of clinical signs
Higher qualifications in medical retina
The College’s higher qualifications in medical retina prepare you to work, under supervision, in medical retina and AMD clinics, and photography-based diabetic retinopathy screening services.
Professional Certificate in Medical Retina (Prof Cert Med Ret)
This qualification enables optometrists to make accurate and appropriate referral decisions for patients with medical retina conditions, and prepares them for supervised roles in medical retina, new patient triage clinics and AMD treatment-retreatment clinics.
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes - Professional Certificate in Medical Retina
Providers
Entry requirements
Applicants should be UK based GOC-registered optometrists.
Course length
4 months.
Next start date/how often the course runs
Bi-annual intake 1 October and 1 March.
Course delivery method
Online distance learning based course with mandatory on campus workshop.
Placement/portfolio
N/A
Assessment
MCQ tests, Case studies, OSCEs
Masters level credits
Level 7
Entry requirements
GOC-registered optometrists.
Course length
One year.
Course delivery
Online lectures, two days o tutorials.
Placement
No
Assessment
Online coursework and exam, practical assessment (OSCE).
Masters level credits
20
Entry requirements
GOC-registered optometrists. Other healthcare professionals in the field of ophthalmology and overseas optometrists/eye care practitioners will be accepted on an ad-hoc basis providing the undergraduate syllabus and/or current clinical responsibilities are similar to those of a UK optometrist/medical practitioner.
Course length
3-4 months.
Course delivery
Online learning via lectures and workshops.
Placement
No
Assessment
On campus – written assessment (MCQ, VRICS and PMCS).
On campus – Objective Structured Clinical Examination
Masters level credits
15
Entry requirements
Possess a minimum of a BSc (Hons) in Optometry or Orthoptics or equivalent. Other qualifications may be accepted and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Course length
6 months.
Next course start date/how often course runs
May 2024 / run bi-annually.
Course delivery
Online learning, webinars, online synchronous day including lectures, tutorials, case discussions. In-person practical skills workshop.
Placement/portfolio
Not required
Assessment
Summative assessments which will include written exams (MCQs & PMCS) and a virtual based OSCE.
Masters level credits
15
Entry requirements
Full registration with the GOC as an optometrist.
Health care professionals who are not optometrists are welcome to apply. They must be working in a medical retina clinic, have experience of slit lamp assessment and fundus assessment with indirect biomicroscopy. Candidates must be regularly engaged in using these skills in day-to-day clinical practice in order to be likely to meet the standards required for the practical component of this course. UoM require a supporting statement from a consultant ophthalmologist.
Course length
3 months.
Next course start date/how often course runs:
September 2022 /once per year.
Course delivery
Lectures (online podcasts), quizzes, discussion boards, case studies (all e-learning), two practical days in Manchester: each day consists of two workshops and case discussions.
Placement/portfolio
None.
Assessment
5-station clinical skills OSCE and a written examination (MCQ and SAQ).
Masters level credits
15.
Entry requirements
- Registered ophthalmic professional working in a clinical area that will facilitate the successful completion of the module learning outcomes.
- All registered optometrists are eligible to apply for this module. Other ophthalmic professionals are also eligible to apply for this module, however they must be able to provide a certified letter from their employer confirming an appropriate level of competence in the clinical examination of the eye, to include slit lamp examination, optic disc assessment with indirect biomicroscopy and Goldmann applanation tonometry.
Course length
16 weeks.
Next start date/how often the course runs:
Course runs Sept – Jan each year.
Course delivery
Online learning, with one in-person clinical teaching day and an in-person assessment day.
Placement
Not required.
Assessment:
- 40% Written Examination
- 30% Clinical Portfolio (case records)
- 30% OSCE examination
Masters level credits
20
Entry requirements
GOC-registered optometrists.
Course length
20 weeks.
Next start date/how often the course runs
Course normally runs once a year from June to September.
Course delivery
Primarily online learning with one on campus day for lectures and tutorials. One on-campus day for the written assessment.
Placement
Not applicable.
Assessment:
A mixture of VRICS, MCQs and medical retina case records.
Masters level credits:
15
Professional Higher Certificate in Medical Retina (Higher Cert Med Ret)
This qualification is for optometrists working or wishing to work in a consultant ophthalmologist-led medical retina service and will provide them with the knowledge and experience to work effectively under supervision in a multidisciplinary medical retina team. It prepares them for supervised roles in new patient triage clinics, AMD treatment-retreatment clinics and diabetic macular oedema assessment and monitoring programmes.
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes - Professional Higher Certificate in Medical Retina (PDF)
Providers
Entry requirements
- Students must be able to evidence they hold the College’s Professional Certificate in Medical Retina and have a confirmed approved clinical placement before course start.
- Non-medical ophthalmic practitioners must also have a current registration with a regulatory body.
Course length
17 weeks (one academic semester) of taught content accompanied by a placement period (typically 3 – 12 months’ duration), which must be completed within 24 months of completing the course.
Next start date/how often the course runs
March 2024 / course runs annually with an intake every March.
Course delivery
- Online lectures, webinars and supporting resources such as discussion boards via Learning Central, the University’s e-learning system.
- Mandatory summative assessment comprising invigilated online examination and a practical OSCE assessment at Cardiff University.
Placement/portfolio
- Students are required to organise a placement in a medical retina clinic, supervised by a mentor who is a Consultant Ophthalmologist specialising in medical retina, to record active involvement and experience of at least 200 cases with a range of medical retina conditions.
- In addition, students must submit a portfolio of 10 case reports prior to a clinical reasoning viva.
Assessment
- Formative assessments include online key feature scenarios/management case scenarios/VRICS/short answer questions throughout the semester.
- Summative assessment comprises a multiple choice and short answer question exam, a online case scenario exam, a diabetic retinopathy grading test during placement, an OSCE assessment at the end of the semester and a clinical reasoning viva after placement.
Masters level credits
20 credits
Entry requirements
Possess a minimum of a BSc (Hons) in Optometry or Orthoptics or equivalent. Other qualifications or experience may be accepted and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Possess relevant professional body registration.
Possess the Professional Certificate in Medical Retina (Level 1) and affix.
Course length
6 months.
Next start date/how often the course runs
Jan 2025 / annually.
Course delivery
Online learning, webinars, online synchronous day including lectures, tutorials, case discussions. In-person practical skills workshop.
Placement/portfolio
To complete The College of Optometrists Professional Higher Certificate in Medical Retina, the clinical placement is a requirement. You will be expected to see a minimum number of patient episodes and conditions. You have two years from the date of your written exam to complete this and submit your case records. You will be required to arrange the placement yourselves with your local Hospital Eye Department and arrange for a clinical mentor (Consultant Ophthalmologist) to support your placement.
Assessment
These will consist of a written exam made up of MCQs, Station Exams, patient management case scenarios and visual recognition of clinical signs.
Masters level credits
15 credits.
Entry requirements
- Registered ophthalmic professional working in a clinical area that will facilitate the successful completion of the module learning outcomes.
- Students looking to obtain the College of Optometrists Higher Professional Certificate in Medical Retina, must already hold the College of Optometrists Professional Certificate in Medical Retina.
Course length
18 weeks (one academic term)
Next start date/how often the course runs
Runs once a year.
Course delivery
Blended learning approach: distance learning delivery of theoretical content, with one face-to-face clinical teaching day at the start of the module, a live webinar opportunity and one face-to-face assessment day at the end of the module
Placement/portfolio
- Placement in a medical retina clinic, under the mentorship of an ophthalmologist who specialises in medical retina, to gain at least 200 cases.
- The placement is assessed through completion of a clinical logbook with viva. As a minimum guideline, one session per week (half day), over a 6-9 month period is recommended.
- Recognition Prior Learning (RPL) can be considered towards the clinical placement for those practitioners with at least 2 years’ experience working in medical retina management on a regular basis (minimum of one session per week) within a hospital, clinic or appropriate setting. Please contact the module team for further information: acpophthalmology@plymouth.ac.uk.
Assessment
The assessment for the module includes, written examination, clinical examination (OSCE) and a clinical portfolio with viva.
Masters level credits
20 credits.
Case study
Ziggy Shah MCOptom Prof Cert Med Ret
The College’s higher qualifications give you detailed knowledge beyond CET, and are a personal challenge to your ability. Completing the Professional Certificate in Medical Retina has given me a really good understanding of retinal diseases and how to treat them within the context of current therapeutics in the workplace.
Having the qualification has been empowering and has created more opportunities to provide a better service to my patients and community. It has also enhanced my professional standing, as higher qualifications are recognised by general medical practitioners and ophthalmologists as enabling optometrists to provide better eye care to patients.
Key
KFS – key feature scenarios
MCQ - multiple choice questions
OSCE - objective structured clinical examination
PMCS - patient management case scenario
SAQ – short answer questions
VRICS - visual recognition and interpretation of clinical signs
Higher qualifications in paediatric eye care
The College’s higher qualifications in paediatric eye care enable you to develop and adapt your routine to meet the specific needs of younger patients.
Professional Certificate in Paediatric Eye Care (Prof Cert Paed Eye Care)
This qualification helps prepare optometrists for extended roles within community and hospital optometry. There is a particular emphasis on child-friendly testing procedures and successful examination.
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes - Professional Certificate in Paediatric Eye Care
Providers
Entry requirements
UK based GOC registered Optometrist who regularly sees paediatric patients
Course length
4 months
Next course start date/how often course runs
Annual intake of 1 March
Course delivery method
Online distance learning based course with mandatory on campus workshop
Placement/portfolio
N/A
Assessment
MCQ tests, Case studies, OSCEs
Masters level credits
Level 7
Entry requirements
GOC-registered optometrists
Course length
Two 17-week semesters
Course delivery
Online learning including lectures, case discussions and webinars, practical days including workshops and clinical experience, and case discussions.
Placement
No
Assessment
Online written coursework, practical assessment (OSCE)
Masters level credits
20
Entry requirements
Fully qualified GOC and CORU-registered optometrists are eligible for admission.
Optometrists registered and practising in other jurisdictions should contact optometrycpd@ulster.ac.uk to determine if their scope of practice will permit admission.
Course length
The whole course is 16 weeks in duration, providing time for self-directed learning and preparation for the assessments. The online content is presented within seven units of learning over 13 weeks, and learners have some flexibility with regard to when they engage with each unit.
Course delivery
The short course is delivered and assessed via distance learning. Optometrists undertake a bespoke package of online learning material (audio-visual and written content) supported by online peer-discussion and online tutorial and case discussion sessions with course tutors and other learners.
Assessment is conducted online through reflective reports, case studies and video demonstration of practical skills and communication.
An optional tutorial day at Ulster University’s Coleraine campus may be offered (subject to availability and demand) for those who want to attend.
Course start date/how often if runs
Annual.
Expected next intake February 2027.
Placement
N/A
Assessment
The course is assessed through a variety of means including bite-sized knowledge-based assessments, four paediatric case reports demonstrating the visual assessment and management of a range of paediatric cases, and submission of evidence of communication and clinical skills. CPD points can be self-declared and supported with documented evidence of assessment completion supplied by the Course Director.
Masters level credits
None - this course is equivalent to a 20-credit (200 hours notional student effort) Masters module.
Professional Higher Certificate in Paediatric Eye Care (Higher Cert Paed)
This qualification enables practitioners to deliver eye care to more complex paediatric cases and specialist populations, and to understand the evidence for developing management options. Topics covered include; the impact of visual impairment on childhood development, practical skills to assess and manage children and formulating an evidence-based management strategy for children’s eye care.
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes - Professional Higher Certificate in Paediatric eye care
Providers
At present no higher education provider is accredited to offer this course
Case study
Mitul Mistry MCOptom Prof Cert Paed Eye Care
I really enjoyed the paediatric eye care module at university, and my main ambition was to find a suitable role in a hospital. After graduating, I started work in a high street practice and soon realised that examining younger patients requires a unique skills set! But I loved the challenge and was even more determined to specialise in this area.
I did some research online and found a course at Ulster University that was exactly what I was looking for. Distance learning really worked for me. It was all very manageable with no need for those ‘all nighters’ of student days! I could watch the online lectures and study for two or three hours a day after work and, with the support of my employers, undertake the three practical assessments needed for the course, during my working days. My final assessment was carried out via Skype, so there was no need for any travel at all – it couldn’t have been more convenient. The course leader, Dr Kathryn Saunders FCOptom, is a world-renowned expert in this area and I felt I learned so much from her. She was always available to provide support and advice.
I finished the course with a whole new set of techniques and much more confidence, and successfully applied for a new role within a hospital. My new employers were impressed by my qualification and they quickly realised that because of that, I would not need any training to get up to speed with the work in the department.
Key
KFS – key feature scenarios
MCQ - multiple choice questions
OSCE - objective structured clinical examination
PMCS - patient management case scenario
SAQ – short answer questions
VRICS - visual recognition and interpretation of clinical signs
Once you have qualified
When you have successfully completed your qualification, your course provider will ratify the results (this can take some months) before sending them to the College. Those who complete a College-accredited higher qualifications course may only use the associated affix in the context of activity undertaken as a registered healthcare professional, and in the country in which the practitioner is registered. On receiving results, the College will update its records and advise the GOC so GOC staff can update its register.
Certificates are issued free of charge only for full UK College members.
If you complete a higher qualifications course while still a student registrant you may not use the associated affix until you have full (01-) GOC registration. You will not receive a certificate until you join the College as a newly qualified practising optometrist (qualifying in the UK) or a full UK member with full (01-) GOC registration. You will have until the next (first) OSCE date following your own OSCE sitting to join the College or you will not receive a certificate. The dates of all upcoming OSCE dates are on our website.
The College produces and prints certificates at regular intervals in the year. This means it may be some months before you receive a certificate, as the College must first receive the result and then include it in the next applicable print run.
The College will invite full UK College members who complete a higher qualification at Higher Certificate or Diploma level to the College’s prestigious annual Diploma Ceremony to have their achievement officially recognised. The College will contact these course completers separately.
Replacement certificates
The College will replace lost or damaged certificates for a fee of £30 to those who completed the course at a time when they were a full UK College member. Use the contact form to let us know if you require a replacement certificate.
Information for course providers
Thinking of becoming a course provider?
If you would like to find out more about offering College-accredited higher qualifications, please contact stephanie.hamilton@college-optometrists.org.
Downloads
- Higher qualifications guidance for course providers (PDF)
- Higher qualifications accreditation application form (Word)
- Higher Qualifications Accreditation Panel Terms of Reference (PDF)
Fees
- Accreditation £3,500
- Reaccreditation £3,000
- Course change request £1,000
Accreditation and Reaccreditation deadlines
| ACCREDITATION SCHEDULE | |
| Submission deadline | Accreditation panel meeting |
| 12 November 2025 | 18 February 2026 |
| 14 January 2026 | 15 April 2026 |
| 4 March 2026 | 3 June 2026 |
| 22 April 2026 | 15 July 2026 |
| 24 June 2026 | 23 September 2026 |
| 2 September 2026 | 25 November 2026 |
| REACCREDITATION SCHEDULE | |
| Submission deadline | Accreditation panel meeting |
| 26 November 2025 | 18 February 2026 |
| 28 January 2026 | 15 April 2026 |
| 18 March 2026 | 3 June 2026 |
| 6 May 2026 | 15 July 2026 |
| 15 July 2026 | 23 September 2026 |
| 16 September 2026 | 25 November 2026 |