Course summary

The module aims to provide a background to ocular pharmacology for students where OP4OT1 and OP4OT2 may not be suitable (e.g. non-optometrists; those who do not have easy access to patients for case records; students based outside of the UK). The coursework requirement consists of an evidence-based essay on the use of ophthalmic drugs, along with online tests relating to each lecture. Students who have previously completed OP4OT1 or OP4OT2 may not undertake this module. Following successful completion of this module, the students should be able to show:

• Knowledge of ocular immunology and microbiology

• An understanding of pharmacology and relate this to ocular therapeutic drugs

• An understanding of your role, an awareness of the limitations of your clinical experience and an ability to work within the limits of your professional competence

• An ability to identify the nature and severity of the presenting condition and to understand an appropriate patient-specific clinical management plan

• An understanding of the need to monitor the response to treatment, to review both the working and the differential diagnosis, and to modify treatment or refer / consult / seek guidance as appropriate

• An understanding of prescribing, safety, appropriate and cost effectiveness

• An understanding of the importance of taking a shared approach to decision making by assessing patients’ needs for medicines, taking account of their preferences and values and those of their carers when making prescribing decisions

• An understanding of the legal, ethical and professional framework for accountability and responsibility in relation to prescribing.

• An understanding of working within clinical governance frameworks