Glaucoma level 2 (College of Optometrists Professional Higher Certificate in Glaucoma)

College of Optometrists

This module is accreditated by the College of Optometrists

Message from the College of Optometrists

The course is designed to build up from level 1 to further develop skills in detecting change in clinical status and decision-making in patients at risk of developing glaucoma.

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.

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 nine 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

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

After this stage, you will undertake summative assessments which will include written exams and station 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 Higher Certificate in Glaucoma on completion of this qualification and carrying out a clinical placement examining 150 suitable patients. Experienced practitioners can APL this component. 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 involving the diagnosis of ocular hypertension and preliminary diagnosis of chronic open angle glaucoma when not working under the supervision of a consultant ophthalmologist.

Key dates:

• Launch of online course: Monday 13 January 2025
• Synchronous online webinar day: Wednesday 2 April 2025 or Thursday 3 April 2025
• Written exams: Wednesday 7 May 2025
• Practical skills day: Wednesday 30 April 2025 or Thursday 1 May 2025
• Stations exams: Wednesday 11 June 2025 or Thursday 12 June 2025

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 and you will be notified of your application outcome once you have made payment.