This online course, accredited by The College of Optometrists, aims to provide optometrists with enhanced knowledge in the holistic management of patients with visual impairment both in hospital and community settings.
Content is delivered by experienced optometrists and will give the learner confidence and practical skills in managing non-complex low vision cases.
The course is an exciting opportunity to provide optometrists with up-to-date knowledge in holistic low vision care to provide a high standard of low vision care, in either hospital or community optometry, for non-complex cases. It also enhances optometrists’ clinical expertise and decision-making skills in the management of the patient with low vision.
This Professional Certificate, accredited by the College of Optometrists, is delivered via a mixture of online ‘distance learning’ material, and face-to-face tutorial and clinical techniques practical sessions at Ulster University, Coleraine campus.
Assessment comprises a written online examination, written assignment and practical examination. There is a requirement to attend the Coleraine campus of Ulster University for the practical examination. The practical examination comprises a full low vision assessment of a patient with low vision.
Ulster University has pioneered the delivery of distance learning in the UK and has many years of experience in providing bespoke support for students learning online. This expertise will be coupled with an on-campus tutorial session (depending on current level of expertise) at the Ulster University’s Optometry clinic in Coleraine.
These sessions will be timetabled to suit the needs of learners. The flexible nature of the delivery of this Professional Certificate allows the participant to learn at their own pace, in their own time and to complete assessments when they feel ready to do so.
Friendly and professional advice and support will be available from the course team via email, telephone and face-to-face sessions.
Key Facts
- Professional Certificate in Low Vision accredited by the College of Optometrists
- Part-time, blended learning (online learning material/assessment and on-campus tutorials)
- CET points available
- Ongoing enrolment throughout the year, annual intake
- Next start date: January each year
- Course duration: approx. 16 weeks (self paced).
- Credit points: 20
- Fees: £1,000-1,200 (includes registration fees, online materials, practical sessions and assessment).
Accredited by the College of Optometrists What skills will this short course give me?
This short course will provide optometrists with the up to date knowledge in holistic low vision care to provide a high standard of low vision care, in either hospital or community optometry, for non-complex cases. It also enhances optometrists’ clinical expertise and decision-making skills in the management of the patient with low vision.
How will I learn?
The short course is run via ‘blended’ learning, where optometrists get a bespoke package of online learning material (audio-visual content) and via an optional face-to-face tutorial/ clinical techniques practical day. Optometrists are encouraged to engage with the lecturer and their peers in online discussions in a friendly environment. Online learning is available through access to the University 'virtual learning environment' as students are enrolled as distance learners.
What’s the Timeframe?
The short course designed to fit with working optometrists’ schedules. The whole course is 16 weeks in duration, providing ample time for self-directed learning and preparation for the assessments. The online content is presented within 7 units of learning over 16 weeks, and the online delivery means you can tackle this in blocks of time, or spread it out more evenly, depending on your commitments. A number of CET points are available throughout the module.
What does the assessment involve?
Assessment comprises a written online examination, written assignment and practical examination. There is a requirement to attend the Coleraine campus of Ulster University for the practical examination. The practical examination comprises a full low vision assessment of a patient with low vision.
What is the Tutorial day?
The face-to-face tutorial day provides the opportunity for the optometrist to be prepared for the practical examination. The tutorial day aims to guide optometrists in the use of low vision equipment and enable them to practise on a patient with low vision. This day is highly recommended, but not compulsory if students have significant clinical experience.
What next?
Intake: Intake once per year, please contact us for next intake date.
Cost: £1,200.
Please contact Dr Julie-Anne Little or Moyra McClure to enroll or for further information.