Advanced Medical Contact Lenses - (College of Optometrists Professional Diploma in Contact Lens Practice) Next Intake 2022

This course is for ophthalmologists and optometrists wishing to specialise in the contact lens management of corneal and external disease including advanced keratoconus, post corneal surgery, therapeutic and cosmetic contact lenses, paediatric contact lenses and will include hybrids, piggy back contact lenses, large diameter corneal lenses, mini-sclerals and sclerals. It is accredited by the College of Optometrists which can lead to the Professional Diploma in Contact Lens Practice qualification. 

Entry requirements

Optometrists, Ophthalmologists, CLOs and eye care professionals should either:

• Be GOC or GMC registered and involved in the provision of complex contact lenses for refractive management, ocular surface abnormalities and disease with a minimum of 2 years clinical experience
• Have a minimum of 2 years clinical experience as an overseas equivalent professional – subject to a full CV including details of qualification with their country’s professional requirements.
• To work towards the College of Optometrists Diploma, Optometrists should additionally possess all of the competencies required at the Professional Higher Certificate level in Contact Lens Practice.

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify and select the most appropriate lens for patients with complex refractive and clinical needs
• Fit and manage specialist designs to include hybrids, minisclerals and sclerals
• Assess, fit and manage patients with advanced keratoconus in contact lens practice
• Assess, fit and manage children under 8 years of age with contact lenses
• Assess, fit and manage patients who require bandage, therapeutic, cosmetic or occlusive contact lenses
• Fit contact lens following corneal and refractive treatments
• Investigate and manage anterior segment conditions related to contact lens wear
• Manage contact lens discomfort, intolerance, complications and much more

* Please note this course will only run if we have sufficient number of students.

THE COURSE STRUCTURE

The course will be delivered via blended learning; there will be an online and a Face to Face component.

ONLINE TAUGHT COMPONENT

The online components will be made available to students on the launch date. Therefore, it is expected that students will have a thorough knowledge of the material through self-study before attending the face to face days. Students will be expected to input 8 hours a week on average for study of the online component. There will be assignments and activities that will need to be completed as part of study. There will be online Forums so that students can discuss aspects of the course with each other.

FACE TO FACE COMPONENT

Students will then attend a face to face component which will consist of workshops, tutorials and case discussions.

SELF STUDY

You will then get 4-6 weeks after the face to face day to revise what you have learned during the online component and face to face day before undertaking the summative (formal) assessments.

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS (EXAMS)

These will consist of a written exam, made up of patient management case scenarios and visual recognition of clinical signs in short answer format, and a Station Exam.

Upon successful completion of the assessment:

• CET points for Optometrists will be awarded following successful completion of the programme.
• Students will receive a certificate of participation.

If you wish to apply for this course please contact moorfields.hq@nhs.net for an application form.