Masters Degrees in Ophthalmics

This programme is designed for nurses working in the specialist fields of eye care and ophthalmics, who are seeking a Masters qualification in their chosen specialism.

Who is it for?

This course is suitable for nurses who see their medium or long term future within ophthalmics. In order to maximise the benefits derived from this programme, it would be helpful if you already have several months’ experience within ophthalmic care.

Objectives

This MSc programme is flexible and professionally orientated, seeking to prepare a specialist, research-focused workforce that will help revolutionise health and social care provision to better meet society’s changing demographic health needs, by using new technologies and more innovative and creative working practices.

The programme will prepare you for new, efficient and ethical ways of working that offer better quality of life and quality of care by placing service users and carers at the centre of decision-making and service. It will enable you to respond better to the increasing pressures on the current healthcare system.

We offer education in the latest theoretical and clinical developments relating to ophthalmic nursing. We will develop your research and critical thinking skills and provide the opportunity to conduct research under expert supervision, laying the foundations for independent practice and research in future.

Teaching and learning

The programme is taught by academic staff from the School of Health Sciences, supported by clinical colleagues. Most of the modules are worth 15 credits (or 1\8 of the total programme). However, some modules are worth 30 credits. A range of teaching and learning strategies are used, depending upon the nature of the material. These will include lectures and small group tutorials, group work, simulated practice and visits.

Similarly, the assessments are equally varied, and will include coursework, online projects, invigilated examination and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs).

Your dissertation is worth 60 credits (1\3 of the entire programme) and is a piece of research undertaken with the supervision of an academic member of staff with a special interest in ophthalmics. They are appointed by the programme director or the module leader.

Modules

The exact sequence of modules is negotiable, and will depend upon your availability to study your electives and the occurrence of the modules.

Core modules - you are advised to take:
-APM001 (Critical Approaches to Advanced Practice)
-HRM001 (Introduction to Research Methods and Applied Data Analysis)
You will undertake four discipline specific modules:
-OVM013 Vision in the aged
-OVM006 Glaucoma
-NMM024 Medicines Management
-OVM056 Medical Retina

Elective modules - you will have the option of taking one elective, which may be in opthalmics or from the broader module diet offered by the School of Health Sciences.

Career prospects

This programme will prepare you to work autonomously in the area of opthalmics and eye care, within the NHS or the private sector and in the acute hospital sector or the wider community.

You will develop specialist skills in working with people experiencing vision impairment and other sensory loss. You will develop skills in conducting research projects and in critiquing and applying research to your area.

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This course provides ophthalmic professionals with the knowledge and skills required to reduce blindness and visual disability in their populations by developing an evidence-based public health approach for the control and management of blinding eye diseases. It enables students to contribute effectively at a local, national and international level in research, training and service delivery.

The training will enable students to develop a public health oriented approach to eye care services and the control of blindness in keeping with the objectives of Vision 2020: The Right to Sight.

They will acquire and apply skills in epidemiological and operational research, critical analysis of strategies for the control of major blinding eye diseases, in programme planning, management and evaluation; facilitate a personal development, so enabling individuals to contribute more fully to their countries’ and societies’ eye health; engage with local, national and international networks of health professionals and systems, for the prevention of blindness worldwide.

Graduates from this course are expected to and encouraged to enter into careers with ministries of health, universities and NGOs involved in developing health services to prevent blindness and improve vision.

For further information on the International Centre for Eye Health (ICEH), visit http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/cru or http://www.iceh.org.uk.

- Full programme specification (pdf) (http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/edu/qualityassurance/phec_progspec.pdf)

Visit the website http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/mscphec.html

Additionally for the MSc Public Health for Eye Care, students are expected to be health care professionals involved in eye care, or to have an appropriate technical qualification and work experience.

Any prospective student who does not meet the above minimum entry requirement, but who has relevant professional experience, may still be eligible for admission. Qualifications and experience will be assessed from the application.

Objectives

At the end of this course students should be able to:

- describe the basic epidemiology of the major blinding eye diseases

- design and interpret studies to assess public health eye care needs using appropriate methods

- critically appraise and select appropriate public health intervention for the major blinding eye diseases

- design a comprehensive eye care programme for appropriate preventive and therapeutic measures for a community

- develop the skills necessary for resource mobilisation, management and evaluation of local comprehensive eye care programmes and integration in health systems

Structure

Term 1:
All students take the following compulsory modules:

Basic Epidemiology
Basic Statistics for Public Health and Policy
Epidemiology of Blinding Eye Diseases
Introduction to Health Economics
Public Health Programmes in Eye Care
Skills for Field Projects in Eye Care

Recommended optional modules can be taken after consultation with Course Director.

Term 2:
All students take the following compulsory modules:

Childhood Eye Disease and Ocular Infections
Non-Communicable Eye Disease
Implementing Eye Care: Skills and Resources
Global Disability & Health

Term 3:
All students take one optional module:

The choice will depend on the student’s interests in public health and health systems and should be discussed with their supervisor and the Course Director. The module can be selected from:

Applying Public Health Principles in Developing Countries
Principles and Practice of Public Health
Proposal Development

Project Report:
During the summer months (July - August), students complete a research project on an appropriate topic. Students undertaking projects overseas will require additional funding of about £1,500 to cover costs involved.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/mscphec.html#sixth

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About the course

Lead academic 2016: Dr Charlotte Codina

This is a part-time distance learning course for practising Orthoptists and other eye care professionals. It’s taught online so you can study for a higher degree without having to leave your current post.

Our study environment

You’ll be based in teaching hospitals that serve a population of over half a million people and refer a further two million. We also have close links with the University’s other health-related departments.

Our research funding comes from many sources including the NIHR, MRC, BBSRC, EPSRC, the Department of Health, EU, and prominent charities such as the Wellcome Trust, ARC, YCR, Cancer Research UK and BHF. Our partners and sponsors include Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Astra Zeneca and Eli Lilly.

You’ll also benefit from our collaboration with the Department of Biomedical Sciences.

How we teach

Classes are kept small (15–20 students) to make sure you get the best possible experience in laboratories and in clinical settings.

Our resources

We have a state-of-the-art biorepository and a £30m stem cell laboratory. The Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) opened in November 2010. We also have microarray, genetics, histology, flow cytometry and high-throughput screening technology, and the latest equipment for bone and oncology research.

At our Clinical Research Facility, you’ll be able to conduct studies with adult patients and volunteers. The Sheffield Children’s Hospital houses a complementary facility for paediatric experimental medical research.

Hepatitis B policy

If your course involves a significant risk of exposure to human blood or other body fluids and tissue, you’ll need to complete a course of Hepatitis B immunisation before starting. We conform to national guidelines that are in place to protect patients, health care workers and students.

Course content

Concomitance and Incomitance in Depth or Stroke; Insight into Disease or Low Vision; Eye to Vision; Research Methods (option for Postgraduate Diploma); Dissertation (Postgraduate Diploma only); Research Project (MMedSci only).

Teaching

Teaching is by distance learning, supported 
by four weekend residentials.

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The one-year Clinical Ophthalmology MSc will enhance your knowledge of common ocular diseases, ophthalmic surgical and laser procedures, clinical anatomy and ocular therapeutics. You will develop analytical skills for solving clinical cases and evaluating published research, and gain valuable research experience through the opportunity to undertake a clinical library-based dissertation.

Degree information

Students on this programme will observe the diagnosis and management of a wide range of ocular diseases. Delivered by experienced clinicians and researchers, students will gain an understanding of clinical assessments and disease processes in the eye, imaging modalities, treatments and side-effects. Additional skills acquired are critical evaluation of scientific literature, research skills and the exposure to novel treatment strategies.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits over one year. The programme consists of eight core modules (120 credits) and a dissertation (60 credits). A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, flexible three years) is offered. A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits, flexible two years) is offered.

Mandatory modules - all eight modules, plus the dissertation module, must be taken.
-Basic Understanding of the Eye
-Common Ocular Diseases and Treatment
-Systemic Disease and the Eye
-Surgery and the Eye
-Disorders Affecting Retinal Function
-Retinal Imaging
-Ocular Therapeutics 1
-Ocular Therapeutics 2

Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an independent library-based research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000–12,000 words.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, problem-based learning, clinical application, and the possibility of clinical practice observation at Moorfields Eye Hospital. Assessment is through multiple choice question examinations, problem-based learning questions, and a dissertation.

Careers

This programme provides students with the unique opportunity to study at world-leading ophthalmology institutions, where they will be exposed to the most advanced diagnostic and treatment approaches. Students will learn directly from high-level clinicians and instructors from both Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL, who will help them acquire the basis for further clinical advancement. Students will obtain practical skills to assist them at the start of an ophthalmic career, as part of a clinical specialty training programme leading to a specialist qualification.

Employability
This Clinical Ophthalmology MSc aims to provide students with clinical and academic abilities which will help them become clinical leaders in any future post. Students’ direct contact with leading clinicians and instructors will provide them with the basic knowledge to later become independent clinicians, able to lead others into modern ophthalmic medicine.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Hospital are recognised globally and have an outstanding track record in basic biomedical research, much of which has been translated into important advances in novel innovative therapies.

Students will benefit from advanced facilities and high-level ophthalmic practice.

The programme will also provide unique opportunities to interact with leading clinicians from Moorfields Eye Hospital as well as from other prominent institutions. International students from countries with less well-developed ophthalmic services will especially benefit from this unique programme.

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The distance learning MSc in Clinical Visual Science has been developed to foster advanced theoretical knowledge in clinical issues within the field of vision science, with an emphasis on how research informs practice and the evolution of eye care services and capabilities. The MSc course is organised and structured so you will have the opportunity to choose a particular area of study that interests you, with a balance of core modules to encourage scientific thinking and the critical review of concepts. Modules have been designed with contributions from guest experts from optometry, clinicians from hospital settings and other specialists. Self-motivation, independent learning, problem solving and developing and communicating scientific arguments are encouraged through a programme which emphasizes critical thinking. A research project will be undertaken by the student in an area of their choosing with support and guidance from an academic supervisor.

Graduates of this course will be equipped to evaluate and undertake research; they will have enhanced knowledge of aspects of advanced vision science. The graduate will be equipped with skills to undertake extended clinical roles, promote the development of eye care within their region and may provide a pathway for further research endeavours including doctoral research training.

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International Ophthalmology aims to prevent blindness, promote eye health and rehabilitate those with a visual disability in the near island nations. The Master of International Ophthalmology focuses on, but is not limited to, the specific training needs of clinicians in developing countries of the Asia-Pacific region. Medical graduates in the Asia-Pacific interested in ophthalmology will benefit from this comprehensive course, which can lead to qualifications endorsed by their local health ministry. It will provide you with the skills to practise ophthalmology at the highest possible standard with an emphasis on the specific diseases and pathologies of developing countries.

Clinical and basic sciences are taught online, while local and visiting mentors provide clinical teaching and supervision in your working environment. You will gain practical skills that include knowledge of the prognosis and management of common eye conditions, diseases and injuries. The course will also provide you with the opportunity to complete extensive practical experience, including performing ophthalmic surgery and management of post-operative complications.

To ask a question about this course, visit http://sydney.edu.au/internationaloffice/

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Ophthalmic science aims to prevent blindness, promote eye health and rehabilitate those with a visual disability. The Master of Medicine (Ophthalmic Science) includes study in ocular anatomy, physiology, optics, genetics, pathology, practical ophthalmic science. You will complete a treatise in the field of ophthalmology as part of the requirements of this course.

To ask a question about this course, visit http://sydney.edu.au/internationaloffice/

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The course aims to provide graduates with the core knowledge and an understanding of ophthalmic basic science and thus enable them to advance in a career in vision science.

The degree will teach ocular anatomy, physiology, optics, genetics, pathology, practical ophthalmic science and is completed with a treatise in the field of ophthalmology.

Target group:
It aims to assist all graduates who are interested in careers in the visual and neurosciences to have a good grounding in the ophthalmic basic sciences. The course is specifically suited to visual scientists, ophthalmic nurses, orthoptists and optometrists wishing to further their understanding of the ophthalmic basic sciences and assist in their research projects.

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The MSc Clinical Ophthalmology and Vision Research (COVR) is designed to provide eye care professionals with enhanced knowledge and skills in clinical decision-making as the basis for the safe and effective management of a wide range of ocular conditions.

Primary eye care is rapidly expanding to include diagnosing and treating ocular disease in close collaboration with secondary and tertiary care providers. For optometrists, these new roles are in addition to their traditional role of examining eyes and determining the refractive prescription.

The management of eye conditions is normally carried out either independently or in partnership with medical practitioners. These new roles involve taking on greater responsibilities, and require additional specialised academic training.

Depending on professional requirements and personal interest, you can tailor your MSc according to speciality, leading to a named degree on completion of the dissertation:
-MSc Clinical Ophthalmology and Vision Research (Generic)
-MSc Clinical Ophthalmology and Vision Research (Diabetes)
-MSc Clinical Ophthalmology and Vision Research (Therapeutics)

The programme is designed to allow you to advance your clinical and academic skills as well as-to obtain research experience. If you wish to pursue research within academia to achieve a higher qualification you will also find the programme an ideal preparation for subsequent studies, for example, towards a PhD degree.

The programme consists of core modules, which are compulsory and must be taken by all students, and optional modules, which can be chosen based on personal interest and professional requirement. A substantial component of the programme is the research project, which makes up a third of the programme.

This programme can also be taken part time - for more information please view the web-page:
http://www.gcu.ac.uk/hls/study/courses/details/index.php/P02370-1PTA-1718/Clinical_Ophthalmology_and_Vision_Research_(Part-time)?utm_source=XXXX&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=courselisting

Programme Structure

The programmes use a modular structure, including lectures and tutorials in trimesters A and B, and clinical training and Research Project over trimesters A, B and C.

All three programmes consist of core modules, which are compulsory and must be taken by all students, and optional modules, which can be chosen based on personal interest and professional requirement. A substantial component of each programme is the research project, which makes up a third of the programme.

Assessment

A range of assessment methods will be used including formal exams, case reports, oral presentations and clinical assessments as well as assessment of the research project/MSc dissertation.

Employment Opportunities

The programme offers primary eye care practitioners, such as optometrists, the opportunity to advance their clinical career and / or to obtain research experience e.g. as a preparation for further postgraduate studies at PhD level.

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The Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) in Optometry in Eye Care Governance is a 60 credit Level 7 qualification, which seeks to provide those involved in the governing of eye care in the UK with a professional qualification. Whilst we also run highly successful qualifications for those involved in clinical practice, this qualification is aimed at those who undertake clinical governance and advisory roles in the sector.

Starting in September, this course consists of three core modules – leadership skills, evidence-based eye care and audit, and legal aspects of UK optometry – as well as a free choice of 20 credits to allow students to follow their interests and increase their knowledge and understanding of a specific area. The aim of the course is to provide eye care professionals with the skills required to successfully oversee ophthalmic services, with the opportunity to become effective leaders within the sector, and with a comprehensive overview of their legal obligations in optometric practice in the UK.

Several modules are aligned with nationally agreed competency standards – for example, the Low Vision Service Wales and the MECS scheme among others.

Students who have evidence of achieving such standards within the last three years can present this to the Director of the programme for consideration for approved prior learning (APL) accreditation, where module credits would be given to the student in recognition of their prior achievements.

Distinctive features

• The opportunity to learn with one of the leading Optometry Schools in Europe, rated excellent for teaching and research.
• The involvement of research-active staff in course design and delivery.
• The variety of modules on offer.
• The flexibility of open learning.
• The only eye care governance course available in the UK.

Structure

The majority of the course will be delivered via Learning Central, the University's e-Learning system. You will have access to multimedia lecture presentations, supporting resources and discussions led by course tutors. On many of the modules leading educators in the field also provide practical skills workshops and tutorials. Formative and summative assessment is via online multiple choice questions, submitted written coursework and assignments (including group wikis and blogs) plus practical exams where appropriate.

Three of the modules are compulsory, and the further twenty credits can be taken from the wide variety available.

Some modules have pre-requisite partner modules.

Modules start at varying points throughout the year and the PGT team can advise students on the best order in which to study them according to personal circumstances.

The remaining 20 credits can be made up of any of our other modules.

Please visit the website to see which modules are available on this course:

http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/course/eye-care-governance-sept-pgcert

Teaching

Modules may differ, but you can expect to be taught online (via lectures and webinars), and by attending workshops for clinical modules.

Lectures are supported by the appropriate references and resources, and accompanied by assessment exercises. Participation in moderated online discussions is a feature in almost all modules. Practical workshops for skills training will be held at locations convenient to either the module content or the student cohort enrolled at that time, and instructed by educational leaders in that discipline.

Assessment

The assessment activities have been specifically designed to facilitate participants’ learning and achievement. All assessment elements are compulsory.

Assessment varies across the modules, but includes:

Written reports
Coursework assessment
Multiple choice questions (MCQ)
Practical examinations
Key Features Scenarios (used in medical education to test clinical reasoning, problem-solving ability and the ability to apply given knowledge)
OSCE's – Objective Structured Clinical Examinations
Group wikis
Blogs.

Feedback from assessments will be provided in written format for written reports and coursework, and written and/or oral for practical examinations and presentations. Scientific discussion via online forums will be moderated by module leaders, allowing them immediate input and opportunity to offer feedback. Students will need to pass each individual component in order to pass the module.

Career Prospects

The aim of the course is to provide eye care professionals with the skills required to successfully oversee ophthalmic services, with the opportunity to become effective leaders within the sector, and with a comprehensive overview of their legal obligations in optometric practice in the UK.

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The distance learning Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Glaucoma aims to help eye care professionals to develop the specific skills and knowledge to manage patients with glaucoma.

The course modules have been specifically designed to complement the levels of activity and responsibility that ophthalmic nurses, optometrists and orthoptists could undertake in community and hospital practice. The content is aligned, wherever possible, with national pathways for enhanced services and professional accreditation schemes.

All of the course modules are accredited for the College of Optometrists’ Higher Qualifications.

The majority of the course is delivered via Learning Central, the University's e-Learning system. You will have access to multimedia lecture presentations, supporting resources and discussions led by course tutors. On many of the modules, leading educators in the field also provide practical skills workshops and tutorials.

Distinctive features

• All of the modules are accredited for the College of Optometrists’ Higher Professional qualifications.
• This is the only university that offers all the Higher Professional qualifications in Glaucoma.
• The opportunity to learn within a leading Optometry School, rated excellent for teaching and research.
• The involvement of research-active staff in course design and delivery.
• The variety of modules on offer.
• The flexibility of open learning.

Structure

The course consists of four compulsory modules.

Students must complete one module before they can progress to the next.

The majority of the course will be delivered via Learning Central, the University's e-Learning system. You will have access to multimedia lecture presentations, supporting resources and discussions led by course tutors. On many of the modules leading educators in the field also provide practical skills workshops and tutorials. Formative and summative assessment is via online multiple choice questions, submitted written coursework and assignments (including group wikis and blogs) plus practical exams where appropriate.

Teaching

Modules may differ, but you can expect to be taught online (via lectures and webinars), and by attending workshops for clinical modules.

Lectures are supported by the appropriate references and resources, and accompanied by assessment exercises.

Participation in moderated online discussions is a feature in almost all modules. Practical workshops for skills training will be held at locations convenient to either the module content or the student cohort enrolled at that time, and instructed by educational leaders in that discipline.

Assessment

The assessment activities have been specifically designed to facilitate participants’ learning and achievement. All assessment elements are compulsory.

Assessment varies across the modules, but includes:

Written reports
Coursework assessment
MCQ - Multiple choice questions
Practical examinations
KFS - Key Features Scenarios (used in medical education to test clinical reasoning, problem-solving ability and the ability to apply given knowledge)
OSCEs – Objective Structured Clinical Examinations
Viva
DOPS – Direct Observational Patient Scenarios
Logbook of patient episodes
Case reports.

Career Prospects

The course has been specifically designed to complement the levels of activity and responsibility that ophthalmic nurses, optometrists and orthoptists could undertake in community and hospital practice. The content is aligned, wherever possible, with national pathways for enhanced services and professional accreditation schemes.

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This is the first blended learning postgraduate programme in the UK to be designed for nurses and allied health professionals working in ophthalmology. Developed by two global centres of expertise, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL, this collaboration ensures that students have access to experts in their fields.

Degree information

The emphasis of the programme will be on relating empirical knowledge to clinical practice and care, whilst developing more analytical and research-based skills. The inclusion of a work-based module, relating clinical care to practice, ensures that the knowledge base is related to experience of clinical conditions in the workplace and that graduates will be able to deliver first-class patient care.

Students undertake modules to the value of 60 credits.

The programme consists of four core modules (15 credits each) delivered predominantly via distance learning, with only seven attendance study days. There are no optional modules for this programme.

Core modules
-Anatomy and Physiology
-Clinical Case Studies Relating to Ophthalmic Pathology
-Introduction to Research and Statistics
-Work-based Clinical Skills

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, discussion forums and online learning. Personal tutors will support your learning. Assessment is through both formative and summative assessment via coursework, workbooks, online multiple choice questions, short answer papers and a final viva examination.

Careers

Students will be able to apply for positions in ophthalmology and will be eligible for further postgraduate study at UCL.

Employability
Graduates of this programme will have enhanced their employment prospects with employers both in the UK and overseas, as they will have broadened their ophthalmic knowledge and skills and have a foundation in research. These skills will be transferable within all areas of ophthalmic practice.

Why study this degree at UCL?

This programme aims to bridge the gap between theory and practical skills for those working in ophthalmic practice. It provides an opportunity for UK and EU nurses and professionals allied to medicine, who are working in ophthalmic care, to enhance their understanding of the knowledge base and empirical research that underpins clinical conditions and develop practical skills within their own clinical area.

Students will have access to the foremost ophthalmic library in Europe, both in person and remotely. There will be networking opportunities for online group discussions and web-based discussion forums around the modules being taken.

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This programme is based at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, which is world renowned for the translation of biomedical research into new therapeutic advances in eye disease. Students will be embedded in the research environment, have the opportunity to conduct an independent research project, and to work alongside world-leading experts.

Degree information

Students will develop key transferable personal and professional skills to independently conduct an extended empirical research project supervised by world-leading experts in the field of vision research. Students will also learn about the fundamental biology of the eye in health and disease, providing key knowledge to support their research project.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of two core modules (30 credits), three optional modules (45 credits) and a dissertation (105 credits).

Core modules
-Bioscience Research Skills
-Research in Practice

Optional modules - students choose three of the following:
-Genetics and Epidemiology of Ocular Disease
-Ocular Cell Biology
-Ocular Development in Health and Disease
-Ocular Immunology

Dissertation/research project
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 18,000 words.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, journal clubs and workshops. Assessment is through essays, oral presentations, problem-based tasks and a research dissertation.

Careers

The Vision Research MRes will develop the necessary competitive skills to pursue a research degree at PhD level in the field of biomedical sciences. Graduates will offer prospective employers skills in research development and practice, suitable for further research careers in academia, industry or business.

Employability
A unique feature of the Vision Research MRes is the delivery of key elements that are essential for the development of an internationally-competitive career in biomedical research. The research expertise at the institute will be fully harnessed to prepare students for a new era in research in the global employment market. Students will develop critical understanding of a range of research-related knowledge and skills, including quantitative and qualitative tools for the implementation, management and dissemination of research. The programme will give students both the fundamental knowledge and skills base to address complex issues of global significance in health and wellbeing.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The UCL Institute of Ophthalmology is recognised globally for its outstanding record in basic biomedical research, much of which has been translated into important advances in novel and innovative therapies.

The Vision Research MRes is a unique programme that will combine existing high-quality research-informed teaching at the institute with a substantial empirical research project.

The opportunity to participate fully in academic life as part of a research team will provide networking opportunities across the spectrum of biomedical research taking place at the institute, UCL and elsewhere, thereby increasing exposure to further opportunities in research.

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Programme description

This new two year part-time Masters programme, taught entirely online, is jointly offered by the University of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, and leads to the degree of Master of Surgery (ChM). It has been developed with the support of NHS Education for Scotland (NES).

The ChM is designed to support advanced ophthalmology trainees in the UK and internationally through a curriculum which recognises their subspecialist ophthalmic interests in preparation for exit examination and hospital-based practice.

Our programmes are aligned with the curricula of both the FRCSEd and FRCOphth examinations in the United Kingdom and Ireland, making these degrees very attractive to domestic and international students.

The ChM provides advanced training for medical and surgical ophthalmologists preparing for the fellowship examinations of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) in the UK and Ireland and those approaching consultancy. On completion of this programme students will be able to:

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of their chosen surgical subspecialty, and be able to apply this knowledge to the systematic assessment and management of medical and surgical patients in the elective, urgent and emergency clinical setting
• recognise the leadership contribution and responsibilities of the ophthalmologist in the multidisciplinary management of complex medical and surgical disease
• critically reflect upon day-to-day medical and surgical practice in the context of recent advances, and engage in critical dialogue with peers and experts in other specialties
• apply the general principles of clinical study design, ethics, and statistics to critically evaluate the scientific literature in medical and surgical research, and make informed judgements on new and emerging issues in medicine and surgery
• exercise a high level of autonomy and initiative in professional activities at a level of independent medical and surgical practice
• Watch our introductory film to learn more about how this online degree can help you hone your clinical skills

Online learning

The programme is taught entirely online. Students are supported by asynchronous discussion with e-tutors - all leading clinicians in their field - and have access to a large learning resource, including subscriptions to key online books and journals. Students will be expected to lead e-seminars and e-journal clubs.

Our online learning technology is fully interactive, award-winning and enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace.

Our online students not only have access to Edinburgh’s excellent resources, but also become part of a supportive online community, bringing together students and tutors from around the world.

The programme is headed up by Professor Baljean Dhillon.

• Read more about Professor Dhillon

Programme structure

The programme runs on a semester basis over 2 years and involves approximately 10-15 hours of study each week in a flexible, modular manner.

The programme is delivered using a purpose-built learning environment that supports a variety of learning styles, and allows students flexibility in their study patterns.

Core, compulsory modules in each area of clinical ophthalmology are aligned to the curricula of the FRCSEd and FRCOphth. These are taught and assessed using a clinical problem-based approach, supported by systems-based review of the course material. Knowledge and understanding will be assessed with a formal MCQ exam designed to replicate the trainees' upcoming exit exams.

Academic modules (core and specialist) allow the student to explore research and teaching methodology, as well as develop skills which ensure an ability to analyse published evidence and explore interactive and written clinical communication skills. Students are required to complete an e-dissertation involving an academic critique in an appropriate subspecialty area of work, such as that resulting from a publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Year 1

• Ophthalmology 1
• Core Ophthalmology
• Applied Basic Sciences, Examination and Surgical Strategies
• Clinical Decision Making, Therapeutics, Avoiding and Managing Complications
• Diagnostics and Technologies in Clinical Practice
• Acute Ophthalmology, Trauma and Advanced Surgical Techniques

Year 2

Academic modules will explore research and teaching methodology, whilst enabling students to develop the ability to analyse published evidence and enhance their interactive and written clinical communication skills. Students will also have the opportunity to complete an academic research project in Year 2 e.g. Original research or a Systematic Review in a relevant area of work. Following completion of the programme, students are encouraged to seek publication of their study in a peer-reviewed journal.

Students are supported throughout the programme through asynchronous discussions with e-tutors who are all leading clinicians in their field. Students also have access to a large learning resource, including subscriptions to key online books and journals. A written examination (MCQ)) is held in the second year, following completion of core modules.

• Ophthalmology 2
• Core Academic Activity (Reflective ePortfolio)
• Examination (MCQ and EMI)
• Specialist Academic Activity (Research Project)

Career opportunities

The programme will offer an alternative to clinical / laboratory research training for those students who do not wish to take time out of training. It will develop the trainee's academic portfolio and facilitate medical/surgical research projects essential to a research active career.

The ChM programme is designed to follow the FRCSEd and FRCOphth curricula and prepare the advanced trainee for their exit professional examinations.

The award of ChM will highlight the trainee's commitment to continuing professional development and will ensure a competitive edge when applying for consultant positions.

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This new three year part-time Masters programme, taught entirely online, is jointly offered by the University of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and leads to the degree of Master of Science (MSc). It has been developed in partnership with NHS Education for Scotland (NES).

Aimed primarily at optometrists seeking formal postgraduate training in community-based clinical care, this programme is also highly relevant for medical and surgical trainees entering specialty training in ophthalmology.

This degree is aligned with the curricula of both the FRCSEd and FRCOphth examinations in the United Kingdom and Ireland, making it very attractive to domestic and international students.

This programme is aimed at supporting optometrists seeking formal postgraduate training in community-based clinical care and also medical and surgical trainees entering specialty training ophthalmology.

This programme gives trainees first-rate preparation for the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (FRCSEd) and Fellowship of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth) examinations or equivalent, with additional emphasis on acquired knowledge and its application.

The third-year MSc research project also serves as an opportunity to develop an academic career.

Online learning

The programme is taught entirely online. Students are supported by synchronous and asynchronous discussion with e-tutors - all leading clinicians in their field - and have access to a large learning resource, including subscriptions to key online books and journals. Students will be expected to lead e-seminars and e-journal clubs.

Our online learning technology is fully interactive, award-winning and enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace.

Our online students not only have access to Edinburgh’s excellent resources, but also become part of a supportive online community, bringing together students and tutors from around the world.

The programme is headed up by Professor Baljean Dhillon.

• Read more about Professor Dhillon

Programme structure

Delivered through an online learning environment, this programme runs on a semester basis over three years and involves approximately 10-15 hours of study each week in a flexible, modular manner. All modules are compulsory and are taught and assessed using a clinical problem-based approach and involve participation in discussion boards and reflective portfolios.

Students accumulate credits by completing a series of modules leading to a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or Master of Science degree. The minimum time for completion of the full Masters programme is three years, and the maximum time for completion is six years.

At the certificate and diploma levels, students must attend an end-of-year examination, held in Edinburgh for UK-based students or with a pre-approved partner institution for international students.

Year 1: Certificate

• Basic Ophthalmic Science: Anatomy, Pathology, Physiology of the Ocular Structures
• Basic Examination & Investigation Techniques
• Basic Glaucoma
• Basic Macular Disease
• Basic Acute Eye Disease & Vision Loss
• eTriage and Referral Refinement

Year 2: Diploma

• Advanced Ophthalmic Science: Anatomy, Pathology, Physiology of the Ocular Structures
• Advanced Examination & Investigation Techniques
• Advanced Glaucoma
• Advanced Macular Disease
• Advanced Acute Eye Disease & Vision Loss
• Advanced eTriage and Referral Refinement

Year 3: Masters

The final year involves a supervised masters research project, which will be undertaken in an approved topic that reflects your subspecialty interest and will require the submission of a written project report.

Career opportunities

This programme is designed for:

• optometrists who wish to enhance their knowledge with particular regard to diagnosis and treatment of ocular disease as they take on an increasingly expanding role in the management of eye disease as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team
• medical and surgical trainees who aspire to specialise in ophthalmology, enabling them to study towards their FRCSEd, FRCOphth, or equivalent, in a flexible way

The award of MSc will highlight the student’s commitment to continuing professional development in their chosen career and will ensure a competitive edge when applying for clinical positions. The MSc will also help prepare them for an academic or research career.

The MSc is also relevant to GPs and trainee GPs with a special Interest in ophthalmology, family medicine physicians, orthoptists, ophthalmic nurses and other eye healthcare professionals seeking to advance their understanding of primary care ophthalmology and its interface with secondary care.

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