Ophthalmology MSc

Why study the Ophthalmology MSc?

Led by consultants and specialists at Moorfields Eye Hospital, our flagship Ophthalmology MSc programme provides detailed study of specialist ophthalmological practice and research. The newly updated curriculum is based on research-driven innovation across ophthalmic specialities, including clinical management, translational research, digital technology and surgery.

You will have the opportunity to attend two-weeks of ‘Enhancement Activities’ that will provide you with the opportunity to augment your knowledge by giving you experience of the clinical and practical aspects of Ophthalmology, delivered predominantly face to face at Moorfields Eye Hospital and the Institute of Ophthalmology in London.

Students will receive cohesive training that will form a solid foundation for them as they move onto specialist ophthalmological practice and research. The programme is delivered primarily through lectures and seminars across terms one and two, in module teaching blocks. Term three consists mainly of the dissertation. Studying with the experts at two world-leading institutions means that you will develop your knowledge in the context of the latest advancements in the ophthalmic field.

Ready to apply to the Ophthalmology MSc? Visit our prospectus page to begin your application.

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The International Excellence Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship programme aimed at talented international students who want to tackle pressing global health challenges.

There are a total of five scholarships available, each worth GBP £5,000. The scholarship will be paid in the form of a tuition fee discount.

Find out more about the International Excellence Scholarship including eligibility criteria and application information here.

Term 1

Introduction to Ophthalmology

This module delivers a comprehensive introduction to the study of ophthalmology and provides a baseline knowledge of the field. In taking this module you will gain a core knowledge of the structure and function of the eye, including the basic applied anatomy and physiology of the eye. The module will also introduce other basic sciences subjects related to Ophthalmology such as pathology, immunology, microbiology, embryology and genetics.

Module lead

Miss Waheeda Rahman, Consultant Ophthalmologist

Oculoplastics, Lacrimal and Orbital Disease

This module provides an up-to-date overview of the aetiologies of diseases, infections and conditions affecting the ocular adnexa. It provides the opportunity to engage with clinical and research advancements in this area and develop your subspecialty knowledge and understanding of adnexal and orbital disorders, infections and conditions.

Module lead(s)

Mr Raja Das-Bhaumik, Consultant Ophthalmologist
Miss Hannah Timlin, Consultant Ophthalmologist
Mr Mohsan Malik, Adnexal Fellow and Consultant Ophthalmologist (Deputy) 

Cornea, Cataract, External Diseases and Refractive Surgery

This module provides an overview of cornea, cataract and refractive surgery. Students will study the diagnosis and management of external eye diseases such as keratitis, conjunctivitis and dry eyes. You will also study the causes of cataracts, and cover the management of refractive errors, including the laser and intraocular techniques involved.

Module lead(s)

Miss Sharmina Khan, Consultant Ophthalmologist
Mr Alex Day, Consultant Cataract and Laser Eye Surgeon

Term 2

Glaucoma

In this module, students will explore the causes of glaucoma and the different techniques that can be used in diagnosing glaucoma. The module will also cover the current evidence base supporting evolving medical, laser and surgical treatments. 

Module lead

Ms Rashmi Mathew, Consultant Ophthalmologist

Neuro-ophthalmology, Strabismus and Paediatric Ophthalmology

This module delivers an overview of strabismus, neuro-ophthalmology and paediatric ophthalmology. The diagnosis, investigation and management of conditions within these ophthalmological sub-specialties will be covered, with reference to current best practice. The multi-disciplinary nature of these sub-specialties will be highlighted, to give students an understanding of the interplay with other disciplines such as orthoptics, optometry, neurology and radiology. The key link to systemic disease will also be highlighted.

Module lead(s)

Miss Naz Raoof, Consultant Ophthalmologist

Medical Retina, Vitreoretinal, Systemic Diseases, Uveitis and Ocular Oncology

This module provides an overview of medical retina, uveitis, systemic diseases and vitreoretinal conditions including oncological diseases of the eye. Students will learn predisposing risk factors (e.g. genetics), relevant systemic diseases and ophthalmic management algorithms, covering both common and rare eye diseases.

Module lead(s)

Prof Omar Mahroo, Consultant Ophthalmologist
Prof Lyndon da Cruz, Consultant Ophthalmologist

Terms 1, 2 and 3

Dissertation

This module provides the opportunity for you to undertake a narrative review of published literature on a specified ophthalmic topic of your own choice, supervised by a UCL academic or senior ophthalmologist from Moorfields Eye Hospital.

The module is delivered in terms 1, 2 and 3 of the course (taken by part-time students in their second year).

In order to develop academic skills and prepare for the dissertation, you will participate in the ‘Research in Ophthalmology’ (RiO) sessions. Weekly skills-based seminars take place across all three terms and cover foundations of epidemiology, biostatistics, qualitative research, evidence synthesis, critical appraisal tools, literature search and health economics. Seminars explore important aspects of professional and academic life including research ethics, plagiarism and academic writing. The module also includes inspirational talks by clinical academics at Moorfields Eye Hospital and other institutions.

In addition, there are dissertation writing workshops that will help you understand the dissertation module and prepare you to ask the question that you will answer with the literature review. You will present your ideas in oral format, a written abstract of the proposal (20% marks) and the final 10,000 word dissertation (80% marks) of the work.

Module lead

Prof Mandeep Sagoo, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Professor of Ophthalmology & Ocular Oncology
Miss Neda Minakaran, Neuro-ophthalmology Fellow

Prof Mandeep Sagoo

Professor of Ophthalmology and Ocular Oncology at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon specialising in adult and paediatric eye tumours at Moorfields Eye Hospital, St. Bartholomew’s Hospital and the Royal London Hospital, London UK.

Hear more from Professor Sagoo at his recent TEDx Talk on his pioneering research and clinical trial using 3D printed prosthetic eyes for the first time ever, as part of a unique collaboration led by UCL researchers and Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr Naz Raoof

Consultant Ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital and the Royal London Hospital in the United Kingdom. Her subspecialty interests are neuro-ophthalmology (both pediatric and adult), strabismus and pediatric ophthalmology.

General enquiries

To discuss your application, send us an email at ioo.admissions@ucl.ac.uk.