Nutrition and the Eye - Standalone module - Professional courses/CPD

This course is for you if are a clinician in the field of optometry and are looking to develop your knowledge in the theory behind the role of nutrition in the prevention and retardation of ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and dry eye syndrome.

This module covers the theory behind the role of nutrition in the prevention and retardation of ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and dry eye syndrome. The evidence for and against a positive role of nutritional supplementation and/or dietary modification will be discussed in relation to age-related macular disease and dry eye disease.

Particular attention will be played to the effects of lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation, with exploration of the AREDS study results. Macular pigment measurement and its relationship to retinal disease progression will also be covered. The module will arm you with practical clinical details that will enable you to discuss this complicated topic with your patients in a balanced and informed manner.

Topics covered in this module include:

• Oxidation, nutrition, and the eye
• Nutrition for AMD
• Lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin: macular pigment
• Measurement of macular pigment
• AREDS 1 and 2
• Cataract, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and nutrition
• Nutrition for dry eye syndrome
• Herbs and the eye
• Vitamin, mineral, herb and drug interactions
• Patient and practitioner perspectives on nutrition for ocular disease.

To be accepted onto our programmes, you must be able to satisfy the University's English language requirements. The level required will depend on the programme you are applying for. We strive to make your application process as easy as possible, however in all cases we reserve the right to request an English language qualification and / or conduct an interview.

We accept a wide range of English language qualifications including:

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL
• PTE Academic
• TOEFL iBT Home Edition
• Password
• Duolingo English Test (for entry onto Pre-Sessional English programmes, and direct entry courses starting in January 2022 and September 2022, excluding Aston Medical School, OSPAP, and Postgraduate Research degree programmes).
• Kaplan International Tools for English (KITE) 

Our courses offer you the opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills in order to develop your career. In addition, our ethos is to equip you to make a real difference in your field.

The optometry CPD courses allow you to develop specialist knowledge in advanced optometric topics. Clinical application and content may allow eye care professionals to widen and specialise their mode of practice.