Medical retina level 2 (College of Optometrists Professional Higher Certificate in Medical Retina)

College of Optometrists

This module is accreditated by the College of Optometrists

Message from the College of Optometrists

This course is designed to build up from Medical retina level 1 (The College of Optometrists Professional Certificate in Medical Retina) to further develop skills in screening, diagnosing and managing a variety of medical retina conditions. It is the taught part of the College of Optometrists Professional Higher Certificate in Medical Retina where a clinical placement is required.

Entry requirements

• Possess a minimum of a BSc(Hons) in Optometry or equivalent.
• Completion of Medical Retina Level 1 or equivalent qualification.
• Other qualifications or experience may be accepted and will be assessed on a case by case basis.

The course structure

Virtual component

This will include online lessons, self-test and self-learning activities, informal assessments and forum discussions. The virtual component will be delivered in the form of interactive lessons. You will have approximately three months to complete this.

 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 complete research assignments and case studies during the three months, 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.

Clinical placements

For students wishing to complete the College of Optometrists Professional Higher Certificate in Medical Retina, the clinical placement is a requirement. You will be expected to see a minimum number of patient episodes and conditions, you have two years from the date of your written exam to complete this and submit 5 case records. 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.

Students will gain a certificate of participation. Optometrists will also gain CET points and the College of Optometrists Professional Higher Certificate in Medical retina qualification and affix on completion of the course and sign off from clinical placement.

This course is equivalent to 15 credits.

• All applications will be acknowledged on receipt.
• Applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis.