Independent Prescribing for Optometrists (PgCert)

Cardiff University

United Kingdom, Cardiff

University RankQS Ranking

186

Apply Now!

Go to Official Website

Home/United Kingdom/Cardiff /Cardiff University/Independent Prescribing for Optometrists (PgCert)

Cardiff University

United Kingdom , Cardiff

Key Facts

Program Level

Certificate

Study Type

Part Time

Delivery

Online

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 2 year(s)

Independent Prescribing for Optometrists (PgCert)

About

Independent Prescribing for Optometrists (PgCert)

Part time distance learning

Why study this course

Our innovative, clinically-focused 2-year programme prepares optometrists to practice as independent prescribers and to meet the standards set by the General Optical Council for specialist entry on to the GOC register.

Accredited by the General Optical Council (GOC)

Meets the standards set by the General Optical Council for entry into the specialist register for Independent Prescribing.

#2 for Optometry

We are ranked 2nd for Optometry in the Complete University Guide 2024.

Enhance your career growth and professional impact

Equips you with the necessary knowledge and skills to enhance your career and contribute effectively to extended professional roles.

Researchers involved in course design and delivery

Many of our teaching staff are practicing researchers; in many cases leading experts in their fields.

The specific aim of the programme is to prepare you to practise as an independent prescriber and to meet the standards set by the General Optical Council (GOC) for entry on to the appropriate specialist register. As a qualified prescriber, you can prescribe licensed medicine (except for controlled drugs or medicines for parenteral (injected) administration) for conditions affecting the eye.

You will receive a broad education in prescribing practice that will develop your skills and strengthen your professional portfolio, enabling you to provide services to patients that would have previously only been available via hospital treatment. This advancement helps to reduce NHS waiting lists, provide timely clinical management to your patients and build your patient base.

The GOC’s standards and learning outcomes published in 2021 have incorporated significant changes in training requirements for optometrists to qualify in Independent Prescribing (IP). This programme provides the opportunity to study 2 theory modules in Year 1, followed by the Placement in Year 2, to enable you to join the GOC’s specialist register for Independent Prescribers.

You will be responsible for sourcing your clinical placement including your Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) prior to admission. The DPP can be any IP eye care professional. You may already be working in an environment where the placement can be completed. Alternatively, you may need to arrange to attend clinics away from your usual place of work.

The School also offers a 1 year programme in IP to complete your period of study in just 9 months, providing flexibility to fit around your personal and professional commitments.

Where you'll study

School of Optometry and Vision Sciences

Our students benefit from hands on experience, outstanding optometry facilities and involvement from our internationally renowned staff.

Get in touch
+44 (0)29 2087 6316
Maindy Road, Cathays, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ

Requirements

Entry Requirements

In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.

Evidence of full GOC registration. If you are registered with the GOC, you must provide your GOC number in the Membership of Professional Bodies section of the application form.
A letter from a suitably qualified person stating they will act as your Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) for the duration of your placement.
Proof of an employment contract or honorary contract for your placement organisation(s) or a letter from a senior person in the organisation stating that neither are required to undertake a placement.

Application Deadline

We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.

Selection process

As the scope of optometric practice varies considerably around the world, interviews may be held with non-UK optometrists, in person or using Skype, to ensure practitioners have the relevant clinical skills required to undertake this course. You may be required to have particular clinical skills that will be confirmed through references and interview and/or may need to complete primary care modules prior to completing other modules.

Find out more about English language requirements.

Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.

Criminal convictions

You will be required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check if your application is successful. If you are applying from certain countries overseas, a Certificate of Good Conduct may be required.

If you have a relevant criminal conviction, this will be stated in the check and may affect your ability to enrol on the course. Applicants who are on the barred list should be aware that applying to this course is likely to be considered a criminal offence.

Career

Independent Prescribing for Optometrists (PgCert)

Part time distance learning

Careers and placements

This programme will develop your skills and strengthen your professional portfolio, enabling you to provide services to private practice patients that would have previously only been available via hospital treatment, enhancing your clinical management and building your patient base.

This qualification also provides access to new or development opportunities for optometrists within a hospital setting. As a qualified prescriber, you can prescribe licensed medicine (except for controlled drugs or medicines for parenteral (injected) administration) for conditions affecting the eye.Â

Within Wales, a new NHS contract for optometry has launched, remunerating Independent Prescribing optometrists when they work at the top of their licence to manage medical eye problems in optometric practice.Â These changes, along with the revised GOC regulations (2021), mean there are increased opportunities for optometrists to undertake advanced clinical learning in IP alongside theoretical learning, to qualify as an Independent Prescriber.

Placements

During this module you must evidence a period of time spent working on placement in clinical practice with your Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP). This time will give you the chance to critically reflect and apply the principles of prescribing to your scope of practice. Over the period of the module, you will work towards achieving the GOC learning outcomes as overseen by your Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP).