Medical retina level 1 (College of Optometrists Professional Certificate in Medical Retina) 

College of Optometrists

This module is accreditated by the College of Optometrists

Message from the College of Optometrists

This course aims to provide the knowledge of common medical retina conditions and includes topics covering screening, referral and possible treatment pathways, with an emphasis on optical coherence tomography (OCT) interpretation and diabetic retinopathy grading. It also aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills to make accurate and appropriate referral decisions for patients with medical retina conditions and prepares you to commence working under supervision in medical retina new patient triage clinics, AMD treatment-retreatment clinics and to work in photography based diabetic retinopathy screening services

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.

This course is equivalent to 15 credits.

The course structure

Online taught component

This will include online lessons, self-test activities, informal assessments and forum discussions. The online component will be delivered in the form of interactive lessons. You will have approximately three 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 required to research two assignments during the three months, and one medical retina case study, which will be discussed during the face to face days. You will be expected to spend approximately 10 hours a week studying the online component.

Face to face component

Face to face lectures, patient case discussion sessions, tutorials, practical sessions and group case study discussions will form the content of the face-to-face day. This will be undertaken after the online component.

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 MCQs, Station Exams, patient management case scenarios in the form of key features, and visual recognition of clinical signs. Results of the summative assessment will be released within 6 weeks of the written exam.

Students will gain a certificate of participation. Optometrists will also gain CET points and the College of Optometrists Professional Certificate in Medical Retina qualification and affix.

We have now reached our capacity for the January 2025 course but if you would like to register an interest in the January 2026 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.