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Optometry with Independent Prescribing MOptom at University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) - UCAS

Course options

Course summary

There is a growing demand across our region and beyond for optometrists - highly skilled healthcare professionals, trained to examine the eyes to detect defects in vision, signs of injury, ocular diseases, and abnormalities - who are qualified to independently prescribe. Join our innovative, interactive, integrated MOptom Optometry and Independent Prescribing* programme, and develop the knowledge and skills you need to confidently pursue a career in this vital field and register as an optometrist with the General Optical Council. Our progressive course follows a patient- and team-based approach to your learning and teaching, grounding you in foundational skills and building on them throughout each level. Through this method, you will gain in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical experience, and develop key skills including critical thinking, problem solving, patient management, and independent prescribing, as you learn how to make clinical management decisions to provide exactly the right care and treatment plan for your patients. Practical teaching within clinical workshops is delivered in modern, purpose-built facilities in Inverness. Along with training in our clinical skills suite, in years 1-4 you will also undertake a total of 19 weeks of placements in community practice and hospital eye clinics, giving you unique and immediate access to the situations and emergencies dealt with by optometrists daily, experience that goes above and beyond anything that can be replicated in a university setting. In year 5, you will spend your entire year in the field, with two paid 6-month placements in different types of practices. During this period, you will cover the practical elements required for independent prescribing and, on successful completion of all modules and assessments, you will be eligible for the GOC register as an optometrist, with the specialist qualification of Independent Prescribing.


How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
B511
Institution code:
H49
Campus name:
UHI House
Campus code:
U

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

This course is not currently available for international students (including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK) requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UHI does not use Tariff points, and accepts a range of qualifications. Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/courses/moptom-optometry-with-independent-prescribing/

Additional entry requirements

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)

Successful applicants will be required to complete a PVG Disclosure Check and become PVG Scheme Members in order to undertake this course.

Health checks

Successful applicants must be passed fit by occupational health. This will require a questionnaire and also a personal visit to the occupational health department in addition to and on a separate occasion to the interview day

Interview

All applicants will be required to attend an interview. Full guidelines will be provided in advance of the interview day, including required preparation for the event. As part of the interview you will be expected to demonstrate the following: A genuine interest in the care of patients and demonstration of care ‘values’, team working ability, good verbal and written communication skills, IT experience eg. word processing packages, email and using the internet, and a high level of commitment due to the intensive nature of this academic and clinical degree programme.

Other

Successful applicants will be required to obtain student membership of the General Optical Council in order to undertake this course


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)7A minimum overall score of 7 is required. Individual scores for each section of the test must not be lower than 6, with the exception of the ‘Speaking’ section, where a minimum score of 7 is required.

Our programmes are taught and examined in English. To make the most of your studies, you must be able to communicate fluently and accurately in spoken and written English in an academic environment and provide certified proof of your competence before starting your course. Please note that English language tests need to have been taken no more than two years prior to the start date of the course.

Course web page including english language requirements

https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/courses/bsc-hons-optometry/


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Scotland £1820 Year 1
England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
Channel Islands £9250 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
EU £16950 Year 1
International £16950 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

For full information on fees please see our Undergraduate Tuition Fees page at https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/studying-at-uhi/first-steps/how-much-will-it-cost/ug/ For course specific fees information please refer to the Fees/funding tab on the university website course page. You can also find information on additional funding available such as bursaries and scholarships at https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/studying-at-uhi/first-steps/how-much-will-it-cost/funding-your-studies/bursaries-and-scholarships/
Optometry with Independent Prescribing MOptom at University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) - UCAS