Glaucoma level 3 (College of Optometrists Professional Diploma in Glaucoma)

This course is designed to build up from levels 1 and 2 to further develop skills in detecting change in clinical status and decision-making in patients with established glaucoma of all types in adult patients.

Entry requirements

• Possess a minimum of a BSc (Hons) in Optometry or equivalent. Other qualifications may be accepted. Please enquire to determine whether you are suitable to apply.

For those who choose to apply for the College of Optometrists qualification pathway:

• Possess the Professional Certificate in Glaucoma (Level 1) and affix.
• Possess the Professional Higher Certificate in Glaucoma (Level 2) and affix.

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 8-10 weeks 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 three assignments. You will be expected to spend approximately 12 hours a week studying the online component.

Synchronous online webinar days

Online webinar lectures and tutorials to engage in conceptual thinking with the guidance of teachers will form the content of the synchronous online webinar days. This will be undertaken over two days, at the end of the online component.

Self study

You will then get 5-6 weeks after the synchronous webinar day to revise what you have learned during the online component and synchronous online webinar days before undertaking the summative assessments.

Summative assessments (exams)

After this stage, you will undertake summative assessments which will include written exams and stations exams. Results of the summative assessment will be released within 6 weeks of the written exam.

This concludes the UCL-Moorfields course.

For all suitable non-medical practitioners:

Includes the course and assessments, students will gain a certificate of participation.

Optometrists will also be able to gain CPD points.

This course has been accredited by the College of Optometrists in the United Kingdom for GOC registered optometrists only. You can gain the College’s Professional Diploma in Glaucoma on completion of this qualification and carrying out a clinical placement examining 250 suitable patients. Experienced practitioners will be able to APL part of this placement up to a maximum of 150 patients. You will be required to arrange the placement yourselves with your local Hospital Eye Department and arrange for a clinical mentor (Consultant Ophthalmologist) to support your placement.

In the United Kingdom, this qualification will give you the knowledge to participate in community or hospital-based schemes for the management of patients with established COAG and other cases of glaucoma deemed suitable for management by optometrists e.g. treated angle closure, pseudo exfoliative glaucoma.

Key dates*

Key dates for 2025 will include:

• Launch of online course: tbc
• Synchronous online webinar day: tbc
• Written exams: tbc
• Practical skills day: tbc
• Stations exams: tbc

To register your interest for the January 2025 course, 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.