Glaucoma level 1 (College of Optometrists Professional Certificate in Glaucoma)
The course is designed to provide an introduction to glaucoma, its epidemiology, risk factors and factors to consider when diagnosing the condition and when to refer to secondary care. It also provides specialist knowledge and skills for monitoring patients with diagnosed ocular hypertension (OHT) and suspect chronic open angle glaucoma (COAG) with an established management plan.
Entry Requirements
Possess a minimum of a BSc (Hons) in Optometry or equivalent
Registered optometrist with the UK General Optical Council for those who want the College of Optometrists qualification
Other qualifications may be accepted and will be assessed on a case by case basis
THE COURSE STRUCTURE
ONLINE TAUGHT COMPONENT
This will include online lessons, self-test activities, formative assessments and forum discussions. The online component will be delivered in the form of ten units of interactive lessons. You will have approximately 3 months to complete the online component.
At the end of each unit, you will be expected to carry out a self-test assessment or activity to reinforce what has been learned in that unit for which there will be instant feedback. In addition to this, you will be expected to carry out two assignments. You will be expected to spend approximately 8 hours a week studying the online component.
SYNCHRONOUS ONLINE WEBINAR DAY
Online webinar lectures and tutorials to engage in conceptual thinking with the guidance of teachers will form the content of the synchronous online webinar day. This will be undertaken over a day, at the end of the online component.
SELF STUDY
You will then get 4-6 weeks after the synchronous webinar day to revise what you have learned during the online component and synchronous online webinar day before undertaking the summative assessments.
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS (EXAMS)
After this stage, you will undertake summative assessments which will include written exams and station examinations. Results of the summative assessment will be released within 6 weeks of the written exam.
This course has been accredited by the College of Optometrists for General Optical Council (GOC) registered optometrists only. You can gain the College’s Professional Certificate in Glaucoma on completion of this qualification. Optometrists will also be able to gain CPD points.
You will also gain a certificate of participation.
KEY DATES*
Key dates for 2024 will include:
- Launch of online course: Monday 22nd January 2024
- Synchronous online webinar day: either Monday 18th March 2024 or Tuesday 19th March 2024
- Written exams: Tuesday 23rd April 2024
- Practical skills day: either Tuesday 16th April 2024 or Wednesday 17th April 2024
- Stations exams: either Monday 10th June 2024 or Tuesday 11th June 2024
Applications for January 2024 are now open. Please click here to download an application form.
You will need to open the application form pdf on Microsoft Edge or Adobe in order to fill in the form electronically.
If you have any queries, please contact moorfields.hq@nhs.net.
Please note:
- All applications will be acknowledged on receipt
- Applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis and you will be notified of your application outcome once you have made payment (from May 2023)
