Modules

Our integrated curriculum structure allows you to see how the material you learn throughout the course is connected. You’ll study twelve integrated themes, within three broad areas of study: The Professional: Themes focusing on the safe and effective delivery of care and supporting you in the development of your professional identity as an optometrist, including developing an evidence-based approach to practice. The Patient: Themes covering health and disease, ocular structure and function, and how optometrists examine the eye to detect abnormality. You will learn how to examine the eyes using a wide range of the latest technology. The Management: Themes focusing on how optometrists manage patients using optical appliances including spectacles, contact lenses and low vision aids, pharmacology and prescribing. Themes run throughout the course, so you build on your knowledge and skills in a progressive way. Year 1 You will develop your knowledge of the scientific principles that underpin optometry, while acquiring a range of core clinical skills. You will begin to demonstrate professional skills and behaviours which are required for registration as an optometrist and complete a one-week period of external clinical learning at a local practice. Year 2 You will further your knowledge of the scientific foundations of the profession and extend your skills in clinical assessment and interpretation. A range of person-centred care themes are explored in readiness for increasing patient exposure. By the end of the year, you’ll be able to complete a full eye examination, fit a variety of contact lenses, advise on spectacles and perform a range of techniques to investigate binocular vision. Year 3 You will see a wide range of patients in our public service clinic and gain experience in specialist optometry services. Develop further knowledge in areas such as ocular disease and abnormality, specialist practice and refine your professional skills required for a career in optometry. You will work on our virtual reality simulators to gain experience of a wide range of ocular disorders. Year 4 You will work under supervision as a student optometrist during your 44 week paid CLiP placement. You will be supported in applying for and securing a CLiP placement by the Careers and Placements team, the Aston School of Optometry careers tutor, and the College of Optometrists. As you’ll be based away from Aston, course material will be delivered online and you’ll have regular tutorials to stay in touch with your tutors and fellow students. Once you have successfully completed stage 4 and achieved the MOptom, you’ll be able to apply to join the GOC register as a qualified optometrist.

Assessment method

Teaching methods on our optometry programmes are varied and include a wide range of lectures, tutorials, and practical and clinical skills sessions. You’ll learn and gain invaluable insight from practising optometrists, ophthalmologists, orthoptists and opticians specialising in dispensing, contact lenses and low vision. They will be there to supervise and support you during your time working in the public service clinics in small groups. This range of experiences will provide you with, not only the practical skills, but also the personal industry insight and human skills that will really set you apart in the job market after graduation. Like our teaching, assessments are varied and include examinations, written reports, presentations, and assessment of practical and clinical performance, which includes regulations that are part of the Fitness to Practise scheme.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• General Optical Council