undergraduate brochure 2012 - university of manchesterundergraduate learning. internationally...

optometrylife sciences

www.manchester.ac.uk/lifesciences

undergraduatebrochure 2012


the facts contents

• The only UK Optometry degree with patient contactfrom Year 1

• 50+ practising eye care professionals involved inteaching

• Clinical experience at the second largest eyehospital in the country

• The only university to offer the MOptom degree

• Best careers services in the UK

• 4 million books in one of the UK’s best universitylibraries

• Guaranteed accommodation for all first years

• The UK’s largest students’ union

‘Manchester is a place for individuals, brilliant kidswho like to do their own thing… and if you areready it will release you to do the same...’

The Virgin Guide to British Universities

The University 2

Optometry at Manchester 4

Course details 8

Find out more 18

Contact details 21

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DistinguishedMore than 5,600 academic and research staff – manyleaders in their fields, with international reputations –provide stimulating learning environments andexcellent standards of teaching.

As a Manchester graduate, you will join a prestigioushall of fame, including 25 Nobel Prize winners amongour current and former staff and students. We havemore Nobel Prize winners on our current staff thanany other UK university.

Sought after by employersEmployers actively target University of Manchestergraduates, giving you excellent job prospects.

Our worldwide community of 240,000 graduates canbe found in top positions in every imaginable field,including Sir Terry Leahy, chief executive of Tesco;former Secretary General of Amnesty InternationalIrene Khan; writer/performer Meera Syal and authorLouis de Bernieres.

Full of opportunityYou can take advantage of countless exciting personaldevelopment opportunities at Manchester, includingcareer development programmes run by a universitycareers service that has consistently been voted thebest in the UK by graduate recruiters.

Choose The University of Manchester and you willjoin one of Britain’s most forward-thinkinguniversities, which builds on its success year on year –and invites you to do the same.

Find out more…www.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus

Part of the prestigious Russell Group of universities,Manchester has much to offer you. As well as theoutstanding facilities, resources and opportunitiesfound within an institution of this calibre, theUniversity is highly respected amongst academic andbusiness communities alike – a respect that isconferred upon its graduates.

InnovativeOur tradition of success in learning and researchstretches back over 180 years, encompassing the birthof the modern computer, the splitting of the atom andthe founding principles of present-day economics. All these and many more world-changing innovationshave their roots here, at The University of Manchester.

Rated third in the UK in terms of ‘research power’ inthe last Research Assessment Exercise, today we enjoya global reputation for our pioneering research, whichinforms our problem-based approach toundergraduate learning.

Internationally renownedSince 2005, the University has risen in the influentialAcademic Ranking of World Universities Surveyconducted by Shanghai Jiao-Tong University, from53rd to 44th in the world, and ninth in Europe –confirming us as a progressive and world-classteaching and research institution.

Our campus is home to more than 37,000 studentsfrom around 150 countries, creating a diverse andinclusive multicultural community.

AmbitiousOur mission is to become one of the top 25 universitiesin the world by 2015 and the preferred destination forthe best teachers, researchers and students.

It’s a goal that we’re well on the way to achieving,backed by a multimillion-pound investmentprogramme in facilities, staff and buildings. Thisincludes a virtual learning environment that offers youflexible access to study resources 24/7, and the AlanGilbert Learning Commons, a new £30 million resourcecentre for students opening in 2012.


the university

With a distinguished history of academicachievement and an ambitious agenda for thefuture, The University of Manchester offers you ahighly reputable learning experience, rooted in arich educational heritage and boosted by cutting-edge research and innovation – all at the heart ofone of the world’s most vibrant cities.

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optometryat manchester


At The University of Manchester,we continually update ouroptometry courses in line with theconstantly evolving role of theoptometrist – so where better tostudy the cutting edge ofoptometry than here?

Today, the optometrist’s role goes beyond thecorrection of refractive errors, such as long- and short-sightedness, using spectacles and contact lenses. Italso includes: detection and monitoring of eye disease;management of paediatric and geriatric eye disorders,binocular vision problems; care of patients with lowvision; offering advice on colour vision; and assessingthe role of vision at work and in sport.

Until recently, the optometrist's formal responsibilitywas to recognise and refer abnormality, stoppingshort of diagnosis and management. In the last fewyears, however, there has been a steady increase inoptometrists being involved in the primary care ofpatients with diabetes and glaucoma. This has givenrise to more emphasis on the study and managementof these conditions.

There are other changes influencing and developingthe role of optometrists, not least of which is theexpansion of the commercial sector.

Why study at Manchester?Taking into consideration all of the above and more,our course is constantly being reassessed to ensurethat our graduates are prepared for the opportunitiesof the future. This includes covering areas such asbusiness management, which gives you theknowledge you need to open your own practice.

The great breadth and depth of staff researchinterests in optometry ensures a very high standard ofteaching, and this is further enhanced by the 50optometrists, dispensing opticians, orthoptists andophthalmologists from private and hospital practicewho attend on a part-time basis. This large group ofenthusiastic part-time clinical instructors specialises inmany different aspects of optometry.

A major advantage of this form of instruction is thatthe part-time instructors all have extensive experienceof ophthalmic practice outside of the academicenvironment. They can therefore offer you aperspective on optometric problems and theirmanagement, which complements that of the fulltime academic members of staff.

Manchester offers you…

• Emphasis on practical skills at one of the fewuniversities in the UK that enables you to seepatients from Year 1

• Clinical experience at one of Europe’s leading eyehospitals: the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital

• Renowned researchers involved in your lecturesand practical units, giving you excellent standardsof teaching

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Facilities and resourcesFacilities in Manchester are excellent and will befurther enhanced when the optometry clinics and labsmove into a new facility at the heart of thebiomedical section of the campus in 2011. Theplanned facilities incorporate the Vision Centre, apublic access optometric clinic that provides eye carefor 3,000 patients per year; they also include adispensary, 15 optometric examination rooms, threetutorial rooms and dedicated laboratories for non-clinical practical sessions.

As an enhancement to the formal curriculum, thereare opportunities to attend, free of charge, thefortnightly continuing education lectures for localoptometrists that are organised by the NorthernOptometric Society, and held on the universitycampus.

Staff also organise trips to visit leading contact lensmanufacturers.

A warm welcomeApproximately 80 students are admitted each year tothe BSc (Hons) Optometry degree course. This small,tightly knit group provides a very supportive, friendlyatmosphere.

During your first day, you will meet your personaladvisor, who will offer you help and guidancethroughout your course. He or she will help you settleinto life in Manchester and help you to get the mostfrom the stimulating academic and social environmentof a large and lively university. You will also meetregularly with your advisor for academic tutorials,where you will combine developing your transferableskills (eg group-working, presentations, oral andwritten communication) with applying youroptometric knowledge.

The Optics SocietyThe Optics Society is run by a committee of second-year students and includes representatives from allyears. The committee is very active, meeting everyweek and organising social events, including the formal‘Eyeball’. The calendar of socials and the Eyeball arefantastic opportunities for you to meet other people onthe course and get helpful hints and advice.

The society also organises sports events onWednesday afternoons, including badminton, footballand netball, and the optometry staff memberssometimes come along to take on the students!

The Optics Society also arranges for high street opticalcompanies to come and talk about their summerplacement schemes and the pre-registration year, withrefreshments after each talk. This gives you thechance to obtain more information about theopportunities available and to find out whatemployers look for in an ideal candidate.

The Optics Society will be an important part of yourstudent support network during your years atManchester, organising mentoring sessions for first-year students to get advice on lecture material andpastoral issues from more experienced second-yearstudents. Becoming part of the society, with a one-offpayment of £35 in your first year, will mean that youwill get subsidised entry to social events.

Compulsory paymentsThe General Optical Council student registration fee iscurrently £20 (renewable each year). At the beginningof the first year, we ask you to buy a white coat and atrial frame (up to £300), so you are equipped for yourencounters with patients. By the end of your secondyear, you are expected to have purchased your ownophthalmoscope and retinoscope, which can costbetween £800 and £1,000. The Optics Society invitesthe main manufacturers of these instruments to comeand talk to you about their products and arranges forstudent discounts and freebies.

“After completing an Honors BSc in Psychologyfrom the University of Toronto (Canada), I decidedto study Optometry as an international student atThe University of Manchester, not only because it isranked as one of the top schools in the UK, butalso because of its excellentreputation in Canada.Optometry is a growingand respected field ofhealthcare that affectspeople’s vision andlifestyle all over the world,and I am glad I choseManchester to help meachieve my goals.”

RIDHIMA TALWAR

“Optometry is a fantastic multidisciplinarydegree leading into a great profession; I amreally happy I chose to study it. It can be hardwork at times, but it is rewarding and, althoughit may take up more time than other degrees, I still find time to play sport six times a week.”

NICOLA ROPER

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What you study

Year 1

You will be introduced to the scientific principles thatunderpin optometry, including the properties of light,the anatomy of the eye and the processing of visionin the brain. You will learn about ophthalmicappliances such as lenses, and instrumentation suchas retinoscopes. The clinical element of the coursewill introduce you to general eye examinationtechniques, which you will initially carry out on fellowstudents. You will start to meet patients in semestertwo – an opportunity that is unique to theManchester degree course.

Year 2

You will cover a broad range of new topics, includinghuman disease processes, pharmacology, contact lenspractice and binocular vision, and further developyour knowledge of ophthalmic appliances andoptometric instrumentation. The clinical element ofthe course will develop your skills so that by the endof the year, under supervision, you will have thecompetence and confidence to examine members ofthe public.

BSc (Hons) OptometryThis is a three-year, full time course with each yearorganised into two semesters. You will have around18 hours of lectures and practicals timetabled eachweek, plus clinics and tutorials, and are expected tospend at least an equal amount of time in privatestudy and reading.

Lecture units are accompanied by complementary e-learning units that support and enhance your learning,providing resources such as lecture notes, discussionboards and lecture podcasts. Practical experience isundertaken in our well-equipped laboratories and clinicsand at the new Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.

You will have the opportunity to spend a week in theManchester Royal Eye Hospital on a one-week, full-time secondment during the vacation between thesecond and third years of the course. This provides awealth of clinical experience in hospital departments,which sets the theoretical teaching in ocular disease ina practical context, by providing the experience ofexamining the wide range of patients seen in hospital.

Year 3

An even greater emphasis is placed upon the clinicalelement of your course during your final year. You willhave several clinics each week including contact lens,low vision, paediatric and orthoptic clinics – some ofwhich take place at the Manchester Royal EyeHospital. You will carry out a placement at a localhigh street opticians practice, and visit the refractivesurgery facilities of a leading eye-care organisation.New topics are introduced in your final-year lectures,including a unit on the legal and professional skillsrequired to open your own practice.

You will undertake an experimental project. This willgive you the opportunity to research one aspect ofoptometry and usually involves collecting andanalysing data and writing a dissertation about yourchosen project title.

Our research interests embrace most aspects of visualscience, from the interaction of contact lenses withthe ocular surface, to the processing of retinal imagesin the brain, providing a wealth of topics from whichyou can choose.

AssessmentCourse units that are completed within one semesterwill be assessed at the end of that semester, and thisassessment may be performed by a combination ofcoursework, practical examination and writtenexamination. Subjects that are taught throughout theyear will be examined at the end of the secondsemester.

The final degree classification is based on the marksobtained during the first (10% weighting), second(30% weighting) and third (60% weighting) years ofthe course.

Communication skillsAs an optometrist, you will deal with patients who aremay be worried about their condition. It is thereforeessential that you develop good communication skills.The extensive experience of working with patients,starting from the very first year of your studies, andthe presentations and group work undertaken duringyour tutorials will help you build these skills.

course details

Typical offerA-level: AABIB: 35

For full entry requirements, see:www.manchester.ac.uk/ugcourses

Optometry BSc 3yrsUCAS Code B510

“The parts of the course I like most are thepracticals. They are great for getting toknow others in your year, and the majorityof the supervisors are practising opticians,so learning from them provides aninvaluable insight into how it is done inpractice. Having patients from the first yearalso vastly improves your clinical andcommunication skills, and the patientsaren’t as scary as you might think!”

SOPHIE GODLEY

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

9am - 10am Tutorial Lecture Lecture Lecture Lecture

10am - 11am Clinic Lecture Lecture Lecture

11am - 12noon Clinic Lecture Lecture Lecture Lecture

12noon - 1pm

1pm - 2pm Lecture Tutorial

2pm - 3pm Lecture Practical

3pm - 4pm Practical Clinic Practical

4pm - 5pm Practical Clinic

Typical First Year Timetable

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Course units

Year 1

Tutorials

Allow you to develop skills associated with yourdegree course and personal development, byimproving your oral and written communication andteamwork skills. You integrate information obtainedboth within and outside lectures through discussionand problem-solving to consolidate your overallunderstanding of your subject area.

Geometrical Optics

Provides you with a basic understanding ofgeometrical optics, which will act as a foundation forlater course units. You will gain knowledge of theproperties of mirrors, prisms and lenses and be able tounderstand complex phenomena in three dimensions.

Functional Anatomy of the Eye

Aims to give you an understanding of the anatomy ofthe eye and related structures. You will gain practicalexperience of the overall structure of the eye and ofits components by working with prosections, modelsand histological specimens in the dissecting room. The dissecting room sessions are designed tocomplement the lecture course.

Optometric Examination A

Introduces you to basic eye tests, known as refractiveexaminations. You will learn about the basic optics ofthe eye and errors in the focusing of light by the eyethat affect visual acuity: myopia (short-sightedness),hyperopia (long-sightedness) and astigmatism. Youwill be able to perform a basic refractive examination,communicate adequately with patients to gain theirco-operation during the examination anddemonstrate manual dexterity in the use of refractiveinstrumentation.

Dispensing A

Gives you a basic knowledge of the manufacture,measurement and specification of ophthalmicappliances, including different types of lenses, framesand prisms.

Year 2

Tutorials

You will have regular small-group tuition in groups ofabout eight students with an academic advisor.Activities to develop your oral and writtencommunication and teamwork skills will continue.These sessions also focus on helping you to make thebest choice for your pre-registration period, and beingsuccessful in your application.

Dispensing B

Provides you with knowledge of modern spectacleframes and lenses, which will enable you to dispenseoptical appliances to patients in the most effectiveway, and to understand the theoretical background tosuch dispensing.

Instrumentation

Gives you sufficient knowledge of the constructionand manipulation of instruments used incontemporary optometric practice to enable you tomake effective use of the instruments in third-yearclinical work. You will cover key techniques, includingthe use of slit lamp bio microscopes, perimeters andcolour vision tests.

Optometric Examination B

Develops your refractive skills: your ability to performbasic eye tests on individuals who suffer from problemswith their vision caused by errors in the focusing oflight by the eye – myopia (short-sightedness),hyperopia (long-sightedness) and astigmatism. By theend of the year, you are expected to have mastered theexamination of members of the public.

General Medical Science

Expands on the appropriate topics in Cell Biology andPhysiology from the first year and provides thefoundation for the second and third-year units onOcular Disease.

You will learn about the principle types of micro-organisms and those that are pathological, howpathogens are transmitted and how infection iscontrolled (particularly in optometric practice). Youwill be introduced to concepts such as disease

Physical Optics

An elementary introduction to wave optics as relevantto optometry. By the end of the unit, you shouldunderstand: the limitations set by physical optics; theperformance of optical instruments and the eye; theprinciples of contact lenses; the basis of methods suchas optical coherence tomography (which provides 3Dimages of the retina); and be able to carry out simplecalculations of the wave effects involved.

Data Handling Skills for Optometrists

Introduces you to the basic skills required to handlescientific data. You will learn how to access ITfacilities, use scientific software, perform calculationsand manipulate and present experimental data.

Visual Neurophysiology and Fundamentals ofVisual Perception

Visual Neurophysiology introduces the basicstructure and function of the visual system. You willstudy structures including the retina in the eye andthe lateral geniculate nucleus and visual cortex in thebrain. Fundamentals of Visual Perception provides abroad introduction to vision and the rules thatgovern perception.

Excitable Cells

Cells that respond to stimuli by producing an electriccurrent – are key to the function of our muscles andnervous system. You will learn about the structureand function of these cells, what makes themimportant and the techniques used to study them.

Mathematics

A basic course in calculus and algebra for studentswho have not completed an A-level (or equivalent) in Mathematics.

Physiology I and Physiology II

A broad introduction to the physiological principlesthat govern the operation of the human body. Youwill study the basic physiology of cells andsubsequently the physiology of respiration,reproduction, the kidneys, the heart and circulation,the central nervous system, the GI tract and theendocrine system.

classification, cell injury, inflammation, woundhealing, genetic disease, environmental disease andto be able to relate these to conditions that mayaffect patients attending for eye examinations. Youwill also learn how common medical conditions affectthe eye.

Visual Ergonomics, Lamps and Lighting

Outlines how the environment and vision of theindividual can be optimised for the efficientperformance of visual tasks. You will study topicsincluding: interior lighting design, eye protection fromchemical, mechanical and radiation hazards and visionand driving.

Visual Optics

Provides you with an understanding of the optics ofthe human and other eyes and the ability to carry outcalculations on the imaging properties of eyescorrected by spectacle, contact and intraocular lenses.

Binocular Vision A

Binocular vision is the ability to use both eyessimultaneously to focus on the same object and viewit as a single three-dimensional image. This unit willenable you to understand the physiological spectrumof binocular vision, plan and perform investigations ofheterophoria, and develop strategies for managingpatients with simple binocular vision problems.

Contact Lenses A

Introduces you to contact lens practice, with acombination of theory and practical content. You willstudy the history and current use of contact lenses, aswell as the physiological basis of their use. You willbe able to insert and remove soft and rigid contactlenses and explain aftercare and technological issuesto patients.


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Pharmacology A

Introduces you to principles underpinning the use ofdrugs in optometric practice. You will undertakedetailed study of the major groups of drugs, includinglocal anaesthetics and staining agents, which are usedin optometric practice. The legal constraints applyingto these drugs, with particular reference to the recentchanges in the law relating to optometrists, will alsobe considered.

Advanced Visual Neurophysiology

Introduces you to the organisation of the nervoussystem of humans (with emphasis on vision) andmethods for the scientific study of the nervous system.You will gain an understanding of some of thediseases and disorders of the central nervous systemfrom a scientific rather than a medical standpoint.

Visual Psychophysics and Neurophysiology

Outlines the psychophysical methods that can beemployed to study normal and abnormal vision andintroduces some of the results obtained. You willunderstand how to conduct a visual experiment, howto identify and control unwanted variables and howto understand the fundamentals of data analysis andinterpretation. You will become familiar with theadvantages and limitations of conducting experimentswith human subjects.

Ocular Disease

You will learn about ocular disease in preparation forsupervised work in the third-year clinics and in thepre-registration year. The unit is organised into twosections – one per semester, with a one-week hospitalattachment at Manchester Royal Eye Hospitalbetween the semesters.

Mathematical Techniques for Optometry

You will learn to apply mathematical and statisticaltools to problems in visual science.

Pharmacology B: Ocular Pharmacology

Further develops the knowledge gained in thesecond-year Pharmacology unit. You will gain adetailed knowledge of the drugs used in optometricpractice and appreciate the wider issues of drugs andoptometric practice; namely the drugs used in ocularemergencies, ocular side effects from systemic drugsand the use of drugs in ocular therapy.

Contact Lenses B

Builds upon the second-year Contact Lenses A unit.You will revisit the anatomy of the eye and gain adetailed understanding of the cause, symptoms andmanagement of contact lens complications. You willalso learn about specialist contact lensinstrumentation and fitting. The lecture series runsalongside a practical clinical programme, where youwill carry out all aspects of contact lens practice onboth fellow students and patients.

Optometric Studies

Expands and integrates the knowledge gained fromstudying Refraction B, Ocular Disease andInstrumentation. It will introduce more advancedstrategies for the optometric examination andmanagement of patients with a variety of visualdisorders. You will study topics including the role ofthe optometrist before and after refractive surgery(laser eye surgery), the ophthalmic use ofultrasound, sports vision, and occular disease suchas cataract, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.

Ocular Disease

You will learn about ocular disease in preparation forsupervised work in the third-year clinics and in thepre-registration year. The unit is organised into twosections, one per semester, with a one-week hospitalattachment at Manchester Royal Eye Hospitalbetween the semesters.

Year 3

Clinical Practical Sessions

Gives you the opportunity to practise your clinicalskills on real patients who attend The Vision Centre,under the supervision of qualified staff. A culminationof the theory and practical knowledge you havegained in the first two years will allow you to seepatients in the following clinical settings: general eyeexamination, contact lenses, low vision assessment,dispensing, orthoptics, further investigativetechniques and paediatrics.

Binocular Vision B

Gives you an understanding of the abnormalities ofbinocular vision associated with strabismus (abnormalalignment of one or both eyes, ie squint),anisometropia (when one eye is more long-sighted orshort-sighted than the other) and incomitance(strabismus related to weakness of the eye muscles).You will learn about normal and abnormaldevelopment of vision in infants and examine,diagnose and manage strabismic patients.

Legal and Professional Aspects of Optometry

Outlines the legal and organisational aspects of theoptometric profession. You will learn about thedevelopment of optometry in the UK and futuretrends. You will study the laws relating specifically toUK optometry and those related to running abusiness: for example, employment laws. You willcompare and evaluate the relevant legal, professionaland moral position in relation to specific scenariosthat may be encountered in optometric practice.

Low Vision

Low vision is a type of visual impairment that cannotbe satisfactorily corrected with glasses, contact lenses,or surgery. You will learn about the causes andprevalence of low vision, its psychological impact andhow to carry out the assessment and rehabilitation ofa low-vision patient. You will learn abut opticaldevices (such as magnifiers) and non-optical devices(such as environmental design and lighting), whichcan help low-vision patients.

Clinical Studies

Designed to provide more advanced knowledge ofRefraction, Ocular Disease Management and Optometricspecialist services. You will learn strategies for theoptometric examination and management of patientswith a variety of visual disorders, including diabetic eyedisease, glaucoma and colour vision deficiency.

Optional units

More than 20 optional course units are available. Fora full list, please see the ‘Modules’ section of ourwebsite.


“The course at Manchester is really wellstructured and the year group size makes it easyto get to know everyone. Manchester is a greatplace to be a student, with its mix of clubs, bars,restaurants and shops.”

CAROLINEFISHER

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Master of Optometry(MOptom)In order to practice as an optometrist in the UK,graduates with a BSc in Optometry must spend afurther pre-registration year in supervised practiceundertaking the Scheme for Registration of theCollege of Optometrists. The MOptom is recognisedby the General Optical Council as a registerablequalification. Successful MOptom students do nottherefore need to undertake the pre-registration year.

The four-year MOptom course is designed to extendthe scope of the university degree course, while at thesame time incorporating this pre-registration year intothe formal structure of a masters course. This is thefirst qualification of its kind in any country whereoptometry is a recognised profession. Instead ofobtaining a pre-registration position independentlyafter leaving the University, MOptom students remainregistered for four years. Your clinical experience willbe obtained in private practice for six months and atan eye hospital for six months.This is an excellentopportunity to experience both types of practicebefore deciding the area on which you wish toconcentrate.

Years 1 and 2The first two years of the two degree courses (BScand MOptom) are the same. Since continuation onthe MOptom course is dependent on performanceduring the first and second year, you can only apply tothe BSc course. We have approximately four placesper year for the MOptom course.

See BSc (Hons) Optometry pages above for details ofcourse structure and units in Year 1 and 2.

Year 3In semester one, you undertake clinical sessions toprepare for your placements. You will continue withlecture units, developing your existing knowledge andtackling new topics such as low vision and legal andorganisational aspects of the optometric profession.At the end of your first semester in the third year, youwill leave to obtain clinical experience.

Pharmacology B: Ocular Pharmacology

Further develops the knowledge gained in thesecond-year Pharmacology unit. You will gain adetailed knowledge of the drugs used in optometricpractice and appreciate the wider issues of drugs andoptometric practice; namely the drugs used in ocularemergencies, ocular side effects from systemic drugsand the use of drugs in ocular therapy.

Contact Lenses B

Builds upon the second-year Contact Lenses A courseunit. It includes a refresher on the anatomy of the eyeand provides you with a detailed understanding of thecause, symptoms and management of contact lenscomplications. You will also learn about specialistcontact lens instrumentation and fitting. The lectureseries runs alongside a practical clinical programme,where you will carry out all aspects of contact lenspractice on fellow students and outside patients.

Ocular Disease

You will learn about ocular disease in preparation forsupervised work in the third-year clinics and in yourplacement year. The unit is organised into twosections, one per semester, with a one-week hospitalattachment at Manchester Royal Eye Hospitalbetween the semesters.

Clinical Studies (General and Optometric Science)

Designed to provide more advanced knowledge ofRefraction, Ocular Disease Management and Optometricspecialist services. You will learn strategies for theoptometric examination and management of patientswith a variety of visual disorders, including diabetic eyedisease, glaucoma and colour vision deficiency.

Course units

Pre-Placement Clinical Practical Sessions

Develops your clinical skills in preparation for the periodof supervised practical placement. You will be able to:correlate history, symptoms and findings into diagnosisand management, perform routine investigativetechniques, organise management, dispense appliancesand communicate effectively with patients.

Binocular Vision B

Gives you an understanding of the abnormalities ofbinocular vision associated with strabismus (abnormalalignment of one or both eyes, ie squint),anisometropia (when one eye is more long-sighted orshort-sighted than the other) and incomitance(strabismus related to weakness of the eye muscles).You will learn about normal and abnormaldevelopment of vision in infants and examine,diagnose and manage strabismic patients.

Legal and Professional Aspects of Optometry

Outlines the legal and organisational aspects of theoptometric profession. You will learn about thedevelopment of optometry in the UK and futuretrends. You will study the laws relating specifically toUK optometry and those related to running abusiness: for example, employment laws. You willcompare and evaluate the relevant legal, professionaland moral position in relation to specific scenariosthat may be encountered in optometric practice.

Low Vision

Low vision is a type of visual impairment that cannotbe satisfactorily corrected with glasses, contact lenses,or surgery. You will learn about the causes andprevalence of low vision, its psychological impact andhow to carry out the assessment and rehabilitation ofa low-vision patient. You will learn abut opticaldevices (such as magnifiers) and non-optical devices(such as environmental design and lighting) that canhelp low-vision patients.

Year 4Following your clinical experience, you return to theUniversity for a further single semester of study.Clinical sessions will continue and will maintain andenhance the clinical skills developed in yourplacement year. You will also focus on understandingand evaluating scientific and clinical literature across arange of optometric topics.

Course units

Post-Placement Clinical Practical Sessions

You will undertake clinical experience under closesupervision in The University of Manchester VisionCentre and external clinics. This experience willmaintain and enhance the clinical skills developed inyour placement year, so that you are prepared to takeon the responsibilities of an independent primary careoptometrist.

Optometric Studies

Expands and integrates the knowledge gained fromstudying Refraction B, Ocular Disease andInstrumentation. The unit will introduce moreadvanced strategies for the optometric examinationand management of patients with a variety of visualdisorders. You will study topics including the role ofthe optometrist before and after refractive surgery(laser eye surgery), the ophthalmic use of ultrasound,sports vision, and occular disease such as cataract,diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.


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Project / Dissertation

You will undertake a literature search and dissertation.This will assess your ability to evaluate scientific andclinical literature critically, understand literaturerelating to a clinical problem and explain andunderstand clinical disorders.

Physiology of Ocular Tissues in Health and Disease

You will attend lectures and seminars to further yourunderstanding of ocular physiology, the mechanismsunderpinning ocular pathology and how this providesa rationale for current and future therapies. The unitinvolves critical evaluation of research papers and youwill be required to undertake oral presentations.

Investigative Techniques in Ophthalmic Diagnosis

Teaches you the basic skills needed to conductresearch in investigative ophthalmology and visionsciences, and develops your skills of critical evaluationof research material. You will gain a detailed insightinto the major ophthalmic investigative techniques formeasuring visual function and observing ocularstructures and have an increased understanding ofthe concept of measurement and measurement error.

Life after Optometry atManchesterMost BSc Optometry students go straight on to dotheir pre-registration year and take the Scheme forRegistration examinations, which, when successfullycompleted, allow entry to the General OpticalCouncil register.

To help you think about the pre-registration year, theOptics society arranges visits from the Association ofOptical Practitioners, hospital optometrists and themultiple chains. Representatives from theseorganisations give valuable presentations representingtheir different viewpoints of the pre-registration yearand its objectives.

The main employers of graduate trainees are themultiple chains. They have well-developed recruitmentschemes, summer placement schemes and specialisedcourses for their students. Advisors are an idealsounding board at this stage. You are encouraged todiscuss your strategy for obtaining a pre-registrationposition with your advisor, who will help in preparingyour CVs and providing a reference.

After registration with the General Optical Council, acareer is open to you in practice, either privately, orwithin the National Health Service. Someoptometrists choose to work in the Hospital EyeService team alongside an ophthalmologist.Alternatively, you could choose to teach or undertakeresearch in industry or academia. Many graduateschoose to return to Manchester for further study.

Background readingTo get a good overview of the course, the followingbooks can provide useful background reading. Duringthe course, many lecturers will direct you to additionalreading from recommended texts and journal articles.Many students choose to borrow library copies, atleast in the early stages when they are unsure whichbook will best serve their requirements, or which oftwo alternatives they find easiest to read. We wouldadvise waiting before buying expensive books thatmight not be as useful as you hoped.

Clinical Procedures in Primary Eye Care– David Elliott. Butterworth Heinemann

Clinical Visual Optics– Bennett and Rabbetts. Butterworth Heinemann

Clinical Anatomy of the Eye– Snell and Lemp. Blackwells

Principles of Human Physiology– German and Stanfield. Pearson Benjamin Cummings

Optics– Tunnacliffe and Hirst. Association of BritishDispensing Opticians (ABDO)

Postgraduate studiesOptometry at Manchester has first-class researchfacilities and is active in a wide variety of researchareas. Research specialities include the developmentof the nervous system, the molecular biology ofretinitis pigmentosa and Alzheimer's disease, visualneurophysiology and psychophysics, eye movementsand retinal image quality, along with more clinicallyoriented projects in contact lenses and cornealphysiology, paediatric vision and visual impairment.

For further details of research opportunities inOptometry, contact the Faculty of Life SciencesPostgraduate Research Office on +44 (0)161 275 5608.


“I have always wanted to be anoptometrist, and am absolutelydelighted to have had the opportunityto study at Manchester. The learningexperience is remarkable, with first-rate lectures and practical teachingdelivered by practising optometrists,ophthalmologists and researchers atthe cutting edge of development invision and optometric study.”

SEAN MATTHEWS


AccommodationAs long as you apply by our deadline, all first-yearstudents holding an unconditional offer are guaranteedan offer of a place in university accommodation. Forinternational students, this promise is extended to thefull duration of your studies. We are proud to offer morespaces in university-managed accommodation thanpractically any other UK university.

Discover our diverse range of university accommodation,bustling student areas, halls of residence visits, privateaccommodation options and more:

www.manchester.ac.uk/accommodation www.manchesterstudenthomes.com

Admissions and applicationsWe welcome applications from people of allbackgrounds, and are fully committed to equality of opportunity. All applications for full-timeundergraduate courses in higher education arecoordinated by the Universities and CollegesAdmissions Service (UCAS).You must apply online at www.ucas.com. If you are unable to access theinternet, contact the UCAS Customer Service Unit on+44 (0)871 468 0468.

Find out more about the application process, policies,procedures and support:

www.manchester.ac.uk/ug/howtoapply

Careers ServiceOur award-winning Careers Service will work inpartnership with you throughout your degree toimprove your employability and prepare for thecompetitive jobs market. It will help you find part-timejobs, volunteering and work experience opportunities.

Since Manchester is one of the most targeteduniversities by graduate recruiters, you will meet manyemployers on campus. You might also take part in theunique Manchester Leadership Programme, to helpyou develop skills and boost your CV.

Find out more about careers events, mentoringprogrammes, accredited course units and a wholerange of other services:

www.manchester.ac.uk/careerswww.manchester.ac.uk/mlp

ChildcareThere are two centres associated with the Universityfor children between six months and five years of age:Dryden Street Nursery and Echoes Nursery. Find outmore about funding options, private nurseries,playgroups and schools:

www.manchester.ac.uk/studentnet/crucial-guide/personal-life/student-parents/student-parents

City of ManchesterOne of the great benefits of being a student atManchester is that all the joys of Britain’s number onestudent city are right on your doorstep. You’ll bespoilt for choice for food, drink, culture, music,history, nightlife, festivals, shopping, sport and muchmore – with the quiet countryside of two beautifulnational parks also within easy reach when you wantto get away from it all. Find out what one of ourcurrent students has to say about the capital of theNorth West:

www.manchester.ac.uk/ug/studentlife/sociallife/manchester

Disability support/applicants withadditional support needsWe welcome applications from people with additionalsupport needs and all such applications areconsidered on exactly the same academic grounds asother applications. If you have additional needsarising from a medical condition, a physical or sensorydisability, or a specific learning disability, you arestrongly encouraged to contact the University’s DSOto discuss your needs, any arrangements that may benecessary and the extent to which appropriatesupport is available:

www.manchester.ac.uk/dso

Information is also available from the Students’ UnionWelfare Officer:

www.umsu.manchester.ac.uk

Funding and financeIn 2010, Parliament approved certain changes touniversity tuition fees. From autumn 2012,universities will be able to charge up to £9,000 a yearfor their courses; however, they will need to meetstrict criteria to ensure students from all incomegroups can access those courses. Eligible students willnot have to pay up-front for their tuition; the cost willbe paid by a loan, which students will only start torepay once they have left their course and are earningmore than £21,000 per annum.

At the time of going to press, we have not yet set ourcourse fees and support levels for new entrants in 2012.Once we have done so, we will update our website.Please therefore consult our web pages for studentfinance before submitting your UCAS application:

www.manchester.ac.uk/studentfinance

You can also keep up to date with the latestdevelopments via the Government’s website:

www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance

International studentsThe University is a multicultural environment andhome to more than 9,500 international students fromaround 160 countries. A range of services is availablefor international students, to help you both beforeand during your studies. This includes an airportcollection service, orientation courses and specialiststudent advisers.

Find out more, including information specific tostudents from your country, such as entryrequirements and useful contacts:

www.manchester.ac.uk/international

IT servicesAs a student at Manchester, you will have access to ahuge range of up-to-date IT services, including: onlineand mobile learning, PC clusters with a wide range ofsoftware, extensive WiFi networks, halls of residenceinternet service, email and technical help andsupport.

www.manchester.ac.uk/its

Library The John Rylands University Library (JRUL) is one ofthe best-resourced academic libraries in the UK and iswidely recognised as one of the world’s greatresearch libraries, with diverse special collections andelectronic resources unrivalled within UK universities.In 2009, the Main Library underwent a large-scalerefurbishment to the ground floor, improving access

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find outmore

Our University website holds awealth of information on the manyvaried aspects of student life. Beloware some of the most popular topics– use the web links for full details…

both to the building and to the collections and alsointroducing new social and learning spaces to caterfor a range of learning styles.

Find out more about the information services andresources available to you:

www.manchester.ac.uk/library

MapsGet to grips with your future home and take a closerlook at our campus, the city and Universityaccommodation by viewing our maps:

www.manchester.ac.uk/visitors/travel/maps

ProspectusOur 2012 undergraduate prospectus offers acomprehensive overview of The University ofManchester. You can view a copy online:

www.manchester.ac.uk/ug/courses/prospectus

Religious supportThere are two chaplaincy centres for the majorChristian churches. St Peter’s House provideschaplains for the Anglican, Baptist, Methodist andUnited Reformed Churches, while the Roman CatholicChaplaincy is at Avila House. Hillel House providesfacilities for Jewish worship. There are prayer facilitieson campus for Muslim students and student societiesfor many religions.

SportWe have an exciting sport and fitness scene withsomething for everyone at every level, from completebeginner to high performance athlete. Discover morethan 40 sports clubs; a vibrant ‘Campus Sport’

programme, allowing you to play in friendly,recreational leagues; a huge variety of health andfitness classes; plus sport volunteering and scholarshipopportunities.

Find out more about our superb sport facilities andopportunities to get active in Manchester:

www.manchester.ac.uk/sport

Student supportWhatever the issue – financial, academic, personal, oradministrative – we have experienced and sympatheticpeople, support groups and advice centres to helpyou. Find out about counselling, academic advice andvarious other student support services:

www.manchester.ac.uk/studentnet/crucial-guide

Students’ UnionThe University of Manchester Students’ Union (UMSU)is the largest Students’ Union in Europe, offeringeverything from live bands to welfare advice, cheapstationery to student representation. UMSU has someof the largest and most active student societies in thecountry, as well as support and welfare services,student media, shops and bars and the famousManchester Academy.

Have a look at the SU website:

www.umsu.manchester.ac.uk

Video libraryWatch and listen to our students and staff introducingvarious aspects of student life and The University ofManchester with our selection of online videos:

www.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/video


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For further information about the courses, or aboutqualifications, please contact:

addressAdmissions OfficeFaculty of Life SciencesG483 Stopford BuildingThe University of ManchesterOxford RoadManchesterM13 9PTUnited Kingdom

tel +44 (0)161 275 5032fax +44 (0)161 275 5456email [email protected]

For the most up-to-date course information, visit our website:www.manchester.ac.uk/lifesciences

Disclaimer

This brochure is prepared well in advance of theacademic year to which it relates. Consequently,details of courses may vary with staff changes. TheUniversity therefore reserves the right to make suchalterations to courses as are found to be necessary. Ifthe University makes an offer of a place, it is essentialthat you are aware of the current terms on which theoffer is based. If you are in any doubt, please feel freeto ask for confirmation of the precise position for theyear in question, before you accept the offer.

contactdetails

Admissions OfficeFaculty of Life SciencesG483 Stopford BuildingThe University of ManchesterOxford RoadManchester M13 9PTUnited Kingdom

tel +44 (0)161 275 5032 fax +44 (0)161 275 5456 email [email protected] www.manchester.ac.uk/lifesciences

undergraduate brochure 2012 - university of manchesterundergraduate learning. internationally...

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