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Develop your role as a clinician in the field of optometry and become an Optometrist Independent Prescriber. Successful completion of the Aston Independent Prescribing course provides a Postgraduate Certificate in Optometry Independent Prescribing and eligibility to apply for entry into the General Optical Council’s (GOC) speciality register as an Independent Prescribing Optometrist.
Within their scope of clinical practice, Independent Prescribing Optometrists can therapeutically manage any ocular condition affecting the eye and adnexa using a range of medicines. Being an Independent Prescriber can provide new career opportunities, increase professional freedom, and improve job satisfaction.
The Aston Independent Prescribing for Optometrists combines theoretical knowledge provided on a distance learning basis and a single compulsory campus clinical skills day. A clinical placement is also required, and candidates are encouraged to secure their hospital placement and supervisor prior to the application process.
Aston University is an established GOC-accredited provider for Independent Prescribing. In line with the GOC’s recently updated ‘Independent Prescribing Education and Training Requirements’, the Aston Independent Prescribing Postgraduate Certificate has been designed to fulfil these new requirements. Aston University is the first University in the UK to be ‘noted’ by the GOC for these changes.
Upon successful completion of all three modules, optometrists will be eligible for a postgraduate certificate in Optometry Independent Prescribing and may apply to the General Optical Council (GOC) for entry onto the register as an independent Prescribing Optometrist.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Health/Healthcare
Degree
Other
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
Blended
Develop your role as a clinician in the field of optometry and become an Optometrist Independent Prescriber. Successful completion of the Aston Independent Prescribing course provides a Postgraduate Certificate in Optometry Independent Prescribing and eligibility to apply for entry into the General Optical Council’s (GOC) speciality register as an Independent Prescribing Optometrist.
Within their scope of clinical practice, Independent Prescribing Optometrists can therapeutically manage any ocular condition affecting the eye and adnexa using a range of medicines. Being an Independent Prescriber can provide new career opportunities, increase professional freedom, and improve job satisfaction.
The Aston Independent Prescribing for Optometrists combines theoretical knowledge provided on a distance learning basis and a single compulsory campus clinical skills day. A clinical placement is also required, and candidates are encouraged to secure their hospital placement and supervisor prior to the application process.
Aston University is an established GOC-accredited provider for Independent Prescribing. In line with the GOC’s recently updated ‘Independent Prescribing Education and Training Requirements’, the Aston Independent Prescribing Postgraduate Certificate has been designed to fulfil these new requirements. Aston University is the first University in the UK to be ‘noted’ by the GOC for these changes.
Upon successful completion of all three modules, optometrists will be eligible for a postgraduate certificate in Optometry Independent Prescribing and may apply to the General Optical Council (GOC) for entry onto the register as an independent Prescribing Optometrist.
Admission Requirements
120+
93+
6.5+
67+
Have a degree in Optometry
Current and active General Optical Council (GOC) registration
Have up-to-date knowledge and experience in their intended area of practice. This could be relevant experience obtained in the hospital eye service, at a specialist eyecare practice or in a shared care scheme.
The clinical placement (75 hours) is the candidate’s responsibility to organise and confirm prior to enrolment. There must be a ‘Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP),’ at the placement site who is willing to oversee the placement. The applicant and the DPP must complete the pre-application forms which should be submitted alongside their formal online application form. Please see link (to the pre-application form).
Language requirement: Find out more about our English language requirements.
Evidence of a basic DBS check within the last 3 years.
For full entry requirements, visit course page.
9 Months
Mar-2026
Tuition fees
Domestic
3,500 GBP
International
3,500 GBP
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
Independent Prescribing for Optometrists PgCert
Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
9 monthsProgramme duration
3,500 GBPTuition Fee/year
Health/HealthcareMain Subject Area
Programme overview
Main Subject
Health/Healthcare
Degree
Other
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
Blended
Within their scope of clinical practice, Independent Prescribing Optometrists can therapeutically manage any ocular condition affecting the eye and adnexa using a range of medicines. Being an Independent Prescriber can provide new career opportunities, increase professional freedom, and improve job satisfaction.
The Aston Independent Prescribing for Optometrists combines theoretical knowledge provided on a distance learning basis and a single compulsory campus clinical skills day. A clinical placement is also required, and candidates are encouraged to secure their hospital placement and supervisor prior to the application process.
Aston University is an established GOC-accredited provider for Independent Prescribing. In line with the GOC’s recently updated ‘Independent Prescribing Education and Training Requirements’, the Aston Independent Prescribing Postgraduate Certificate has been designed to fulfil these new requirements. Aston University is the first University in the UK to be ‘noted’ by the GOC for these changes.
Upon successful completion of all three modules, optometrists will be eligible for a postgraduate certificate in Optometry Independent Prescribing and may apply to the General Optical Council (GOC) for entry onto the register as an independent Prescribing Optometrist.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Health/Healthcare
Degree
Other
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
Blended
Within their scope of clinical practice, Independent Prescribing Optometrists can therapeutically manage any ocular condition affecting the eye and adnexa using a range of medicines. Being an Independent Prescriber can provide new career opportunities, increase professional freedom, and improve job satisfaction.
The Aston Independent Prescribing for Optometrists combines theoretical knowledge provided on a distance learning basis and a single compulsory campus clinical skills day. A clinical placement is also required, and candidates are encouraged to secure their hospital placement and supervisor prior to the application process.
Aston University is an established GOC-accredited provider for Independent Prescribing. In line with the GOC’s recently updated ‘Independent Prescribing Education and Training Requirements’, the Aston Independent Prescribing Postgraduate Certificate has been designed to fulfil these new requirements. Aston University is the first University in the UK to be ‘noted’ by the GOC for these changes.
Upon successful completion of all three modules, optometrists will be eligible for a postgraduate certificate in Optometry Independent Prescribing and may apply to the General Optical Council (GOC) for entry onto the register as an independent Prescribing Optometrist.
Admission Requirements
- Have a degree in Optometry
- Current and active General Optical Council (GOC) registration
- Have up-to-date knowledge and experience in their intended area of practice. This could be relevant experience obtained in the hospital eye service, at a specialist eyecare practice or in a shared care scheme.
- The clinical placement (75 hours) is the candidate’s responsibility to organise and confirm prior to enrolment. There must be a ‘Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP),’ at the placement site who is willing to oversee the placement. The applicant and the DPP must complete the pre-application forms which should be submitted alongside their formal online application form. Please see link (to the pre-application form).
- Language requirement: Find out more about our English language requirements.
- Evidence of a basic DBS check within the last 3 years.
For full entry requirements, visit course page.Tuition fees
Domestic
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
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