Glaucoma level 2 (College of Optometrists Professional Higher Certificate in Glaucoma)
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 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 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*
Key dates for 2024 will include:
Launch of online course: Monday 22 January 2024
Synchronous online webinar day: either Wednesday 20 March 2024 (all day) or Thursday 21 March 2024 (all day)
Written exams: Tuesday 23 April 2024
Practical skills day: either Tuesday 16 April 2024 or Wednesday 17 April 2024
Stations exams: either Wednesday 12 June 2024 or Thursday 13 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.
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 from May 2023.
