Moorfields and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology launch clinical optometry master's course

Ahead of the Advanced Clinical Optometry and Ophthalmology MSc course starting in September, Moorfields and the IoO are hosting a launch event on Thursday 9 May to provide more information about the course to prospective students. 

The new MSc course offers optometrists an exciting opportunity for professional development and expansion of their role and responsibilities within ophthalmic healthcare.  

As world-leaders in healthcare and education respectively, Moorfields and the IoO are committed to developing ophthalmic allied health professional roles. The role of optometrists is changing rapidly and the next decade will be full of opportunities for optometrists to push the traditional boundaries with further education as an essential part of their enhanced role.  Optometrists will be key to a wider ophthalmic health team which will be needed to address emerging eye and vision health challenges.

The programme has been developed by practicing clinicians for multidisciplinary ophthalmic clinicians. Delivery employs blended learning with online material and contact days aimed to train and engage in clinical decision making.

By the end of the programme, students will have received education and training in the various subspecialties of ophthalmology and optometry.

David Probert, chief executive of Moorfields Eye Hospital, said: “I’m delighted that this progressive course has been launched. Optometrists play a vital role in delivering the best care for our patients, and they will have an even bigger role to play in the future.  This is why it’s so important that we provide opportunities in partnership with UCL to help equip the ophthalmic workforce for future eye health challenges.” 

Professor Nora Ann Colton, joint director of education at UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Hospital, said: “I believe that optometry and optometrists are in a very exciting place with the introduction of technological innovations into the scope of practice.  I am excited to have oversight of the development of a programme that embraces the critical prerequisite of further education for optometrists and other allied health professionals. Moorfields and UCL are leading the way in eye and vision health research and education.” 

Professor Andrew Dick, Director of the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, said: “This innovative new programme demonstrates the strength of our long-standing partnership with Moorfields, as we work to deliver high-quality education and prepare the next generation of clinicians and scientists who will tackle the most challenging vision health issues of our time. I look forward to welcoming the first cohort to the Institute in September.”

Gus Gazzard, programme director and glaucoma service director at Moorfields Eye Hospital, said: “This course will equip attendees with the detailed clinical knowledge to help them manage ophthalmology patients in a wide range of clinic settings. It has been developed by leaders in each of their respective fields and draws on the wealth of practical experience found in Moorfields Eye Hospital in collaboration with the teaching expertise of UCL.”

Links

• Advanced Clinical Optometry and Ophthalmology MSc
• Launch Event on Thursday 9 May 2019
• Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
• UCL Institute of Ophthalmology