Course summary

Course overview: Teesside University is the first North East university to deliver an optometry programme. Optometrists are the healthcare professionals responsible for the examination, diagnosis, and management of the visual system. Optometry is a contemporary, developing, field which is progressing with advances in research and equipment, and graduates are highly employable professionals with opportunities to work in variety of settings. You will be trained to perform eye examinations to provide refractive correction such as glasses, contact lenses, or low vision aids, and to offer clinical advice that can make a difference to the lives of people with eye conditions, sight loss, or visual impairment. Teesside University currently holds provisional approval from the GOC to provide this programme. Whilst under provisional approval, students recruited on to the programme are not guaranteed entry to the GOC Register and may be required to undertake additional assessments through an alternative GOC-approved education provider in the event that any aspect of the programme when delivered does not satisfy the GOC standards. To apply for registration as an optometrist with the GOC you must achieve at least a 2.2 degree classification. This requires completion of a pre-registration period of training under supervision, which includes work-based assessment and a final assessment on the Stage 2 core competencies for optometry. Successful completion of this, together with evidence of meeting the required standards of performance and conduct, allows application for full registration with the GOC which confers fitness to practice as an optometrist in the UK. All students enrolled onto the course are required to register with the GOC and must remain registered with the GOC throughout their studies. Teesside University aims to produce confident clinicians who are future-ready for optometric practice, and we believe the early introduction of placement facilitates this process. You are introduced to clinical practice from the start of the course, completing tasks to consolidate your knowledge gained from the modules linked to the clinical placement. You will use the placement as a way of meeting some of the required GOC Stage 1 patient episodes and all the required hospital experience hours. You will be required to travel for some placements and you are responsible for any travel costs incurred. Top reasons to study this course 1. State-of-the-art, purpose-built industry standard facilities to support practical and professional training. 2. Experienced, dedicated teaching team have a strong focus on evidence-base practice which means you gain a contemporary, professional and authentic learning experience. 3. Excellent links to private practice and hospitals giving you outstanding placement opportunities. After the course: A career in optometry is varied and fulfilling, with career paths including private practice, hospital optometry, domiciliary optometry, third sector, and research and teaching. The knowledge and experience gained during the course enables you to progress towards practising as a GOC registered optometrist as part of your Route to Registration. After graduation, and with the achievement of at least a 2:2 classification, you will be able to enrol on the College of Optometrist’s Scheme for Registration, which will cumulate in full registration with the GOC completion of the final assessment examinations.