BSc (Hons) Optometry

Plymouth University

What is an optometrist

An optometrist is a professional that takes care of the visual status and monitors the health of the eyesOptometry is a science-based profession that is

committed to extending, applying, evaluating and reviewing the evidence that underpins and informs its

practice and delivery

An optometrist can specialise in:

• Paediatrics• Elderly• Low vision• Binocular vision• Contact lenses• Refractive surgery• Therapeutics

Key skills• The exercise of clinical judgement and informed

interpretation is at its core-Observation-Analysis-Integration -Deduction

• Communication• Motivation

Why a career in optometry?• It is a hands on profession

• It has a mixture of health and technical abilities

• Sense of achievement and job satisfaction

• Variety of patients means your work is never the same

• Opportunities to work in different professional environments

Why a career in optometry•Opportunities to specialise in different areas

•You never stop learning

•Professional development and recognition

•Work is available in industry and in research

•Opportunities to work abroad

The QualificationBSc (Hons) OptometryThree year degree with an academic and a practice orientation.

Designed to meet the requirements of the General Optical Council (GOC).

Eligibility to apply for Pre-registration Optometry Scheme (Objective structured clinical examination)

Course structure• Highly integrated and focused course• The course will be delivered using Practical and

Theoretical elements with a large emphasis on placements and practical learning scenarios- Study Time

- Lectures

- Practical element

- PBL sessions

Course Structure Year 1 focuses on development of your underpinning knowledge of the basic scientific principles and introduction to essential clinical skills.

Modules include:

• Clinical Optometry Skills • Geometric and Physical Optics • Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology • Visual Optics and Ophthalmic Lenses • Visual Perception • Ocular Anatomy and Physiology

Practical element• Clinical skills from Year 1

• Placements in each year of the course

Placement experienceYear 1: 1 week

Year 2: 2 weeks

Year 3: Professional clinic

Placements & Study CentresYou may be required to travel for your practice placements, developing a broader practice experience

A person with age related macular degeneration

Relevant anatomy

Relevant physiology

Mechanisms ARMD

MedicationsOptometry

skills

Psychological consequences

Current research

Effects on carers

Team members

Problem Based Learning

Course Aims• Safe, competent, confident practitioner

• Accountable and Autonomous

• Life long learning skills

• Research ethos

• Non-judgemental and anti-discriminatory

• EU requirements

• Communication skills• Teamwork skills• Problem solving skills / clinical reasoning skills• Self-management skills• Planning and organising skills• IT skills• Life-long learning skills

Employability Skills

Your ApplicationWhat we look for:

• Academic qualifications including

• Strong GCSE profile: - five grades C or above (must include English, Maths and Science)

• 340 points from three A levels - 2 A level grade A's must come from either Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology

• Personal Statement

• References

Personal Statement• Demonstrate an interest and knowledge for the

profession

• Evidence of related work experience

• Demonstrate evidence of good communication skills

• Ability to empathise with others

• Problem solving and use of initiative

Personal Statement

• Ability to study/work independently and in groups

• Extra curricular/outside interests

• Willingness to learn

• Quality of written work

• Supportive references

Conditional Offer

For non A level applicants, on receipt of successful attainment of the required qualifications please notify the Admissions Department immediately!

Funding For information on funding please attend one of

the following Funding Talks:all Drake Circus Campus

10.15 – 10.45 Rowland Levinsky *LT 111.30 – 12.00 Sherwell Lower *LT13.00 – 13.30 Sherwell Lower *LT15.15 – 15.45 Sherwell Lower *LT

Any Questions?

A copy of this presentation can be found on the University website shortly after the open day at:

www.plymouth.ac.uk/opendays

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