Independent Prescribing for Optometrists (PG Certificate) 12 months Postgraduate Programme By Cardiff University |TopUniversities

Programme overview

Main Subject

Health/Healthcare

Degree

Other

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

Online

The specific aim of the programme is to prepare you to practise as an independent prescriber and to meet the standards set by the General Optical Council (GOC) for entry on to the appropriate specialist register.  As a qualified prescriber, you can prescribe licensed medicine (except for controlled drugs or medicines for parenteral (injected) administration) for conditions affecting the eye. 


You will receive a broad education in prescribing practice that will develop your skills and strengthen your professional portfolio, enabling you to provide services to patients that would have previously only been available via hospital treatment.  This advancement helps to reduce NHS waiting lists, provide timely clinical management to your patients and build your patient base.


The GOC’s standards and learning outcomes published in 2021 have incorporated significant changes in training requirements for optometrists to qualify in Independent Prescribing (IP).  This programme provides the opportunity to study 2 theory modules alongside a placement, completing the course in just 9 months, to enable you to join the GOC’s specialist register for Independent Prescribers.


You will be responsible for sourcing your clinical placement including your Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) prior to admission.  The DPP can be any IP eye care professional. You may already be working in an environment where the placement can be completed. Alternatively, you may need to arrange to attend clinics away from your usual place of work.


The School also offers a 2 year programme in IP to extend your period of study, providing greater flexibility to fit around your personal and professional commitments.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Health/Healthcare

Degree

Other

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

Online

The specific aim of the programme is to prepare you to practise as an independent prescriber and to meet the standards set by the General Optical Council (GOC) for entry on to the appropriate specialist register.  As a qualified prescriber, you can prescribe licensed medicine (except for controlled drugs or medicines for parenteral (injected) administration) for conditions affecting the eye. 


You will receive a broad education in prescribing practice that will develop your skills and strengthen your professional portfolio, enabling you to provide services to patients that would have previously only been available via hospital treatment.  This advancement helps to reduce NHS waiting lists, provide timely clinical management to your patients and build your patient base.


The GOC’s standards and learning outcomes published in 2021 have incorporated significant changes in training requirements for optometrists to qualify in Independent Prescribing (IP).  This programme provides the opportunity to study 2 theory modules alongside a placement, completing the course in just 9 months, to enable you to join the GOC’s specialist register for Independent Prescribers.


You will be responsible for sourcing your clinical placement including your Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) prior to admission.  The DPP can be any IP eye care professional. You may already be working in an environment where the placement can be completed. Alternatively, you may need to arrange to attend clinics away from your usual place of work.


The School also offers a 2 year programme in IP to extend your period of study, providing greater flexibility to fit around your personal and professional commitments.

Admission Requirements

In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
  1. Evidence of full GOC registration. If you are registered with the GOC, you must provide your GOC number in the Membership of Professional Bodies section of the application form.
  2. A letter from a suitably qualified person stating they will act as your Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) for the duration of your placement.
  3. Proof of an employment contract or honorary contract for your placement organisation(s) or a letter from a senior person in the organisation stating that neither are required to undertake a placement.

1 Year
Sep

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