OPT031: Glaucoma 2
This module builds on 'OPT010 – Glaucoma Level 1' and the College of Optometrists Professional Certificate in Glaucoma to support clinical training in the diagnosis and monitoring of ocular hypertension (OHT) and suspect chronic open angle glaucoma (COAG), as well as the preliminary diagnosis of COAG.
Knowledge and skills are extended to a level which will enable the optometrist, orthoptist or nurse to participate in community or hospital-based schemes. Upon completion, you should be capable of independently diagnosing and managing OHT or suspect COAG, and independently making a preliminary diagnosis of COAG. The programme also develops knowledge of medical and laser therapy in glaucoma and OHT and covers the principles underpinning the evidence-based management of these conditions.
There is one all-day webinar plus evening webinars to guide and support learning and you will be further supported by individual online tutorials with a glaucoma specialist optometrist tutor. There is one contact day at Cardiff University which is the practical station examination during the second semester.
This module takes TWO academic terms to complete.
This module is accredited for the College of Optometrists' Professional Higher Certificate in Glaucoma. To obtain this award you must already have obtained a Professional Certificate in Glaucoma and then must pass the OPT031 module plus the zero weighted components.
Alongside studying OPT031 you are also required to organise a placement or work in a glaucoma clinic, with a mentor who is either a glaucoma specialist ophthalmologist or an optometrist with a Diploma in Glaucoma, and record your active involvement and experience of at least 150 patients. The logbook will be assessed during the module and is zero-weighted but mandatory to achieve the College of Optometrists' Higher Certificate.
| Start date | September |
|---|---|
| Credits | 20 credits - CET points available |
| Prerequisites | OPT009 (or exemption via LOCSU Glaucoma/Wales Glaucoma Referral Refinement) OPT010 |
| Module tutors | Angela Whitaker (leader) Claire Gaskell (leader) |
| Tuition fees (2024/25) | £1340 - Home students £2500 - International students |
| Module code | OPT031 |
On completion of the module you should be able to:
- evaluate and apply modern key concepts of diagnosis and monitoring of OHT and suspect COAG, and the preliminary diagnosis of COAG and be able to apply them to challenges within your environment and practice
- address and reflect on the benefit of inter-professional teamwork in the delivery of glaucoma care in optometry
- present balanced and informed arguments, incorporating critical judgment and decision-making in written and practical assessments
- effectively reflect on and evaluate learning
- assess the signs and symptoms of OHT, suspect COAG and COAG to make a differential diagnosis and rank options for management
- problem solve and develop solutions/ management plans based on evidence and sound professional and clinical judgment
- critically reflect knowledge of complex, controversial and/ or contentious issues related to glaucoma care in optometric practice
- Explore, critically analyse, synthesis and evaluate evidence-based literature, guidelines and underpinning theories in glaucoma care and apply this knowledge to given scenarios, demonstrating how you would determine the most appropriate solutions for a patient accessing ophthalmic care
This module is taught via online lectures, webinars, and supporting resources delivered via Learning Central. Discussion boards accessed via Learning Central will provide a platform for students to discuss any questions or queries that come up throughout the term with the course tutors and their peers.
There is one contact day at Cardiff University which is the practical station examination during the second semester. Attendance is compulsory, so please contact pgoptom@cardiff.ac.uk for more information if you will need advance notice to schedule your attendance.
During the module, you will have two online meetings with a glaucoma specialist optometrist tutor for detailed case-based discussion on your submitted case reports and logbook, to assess communication skills, and to monitor and support your overall progress.
Academic skills
- Advance own knowledge and understanding
- Collate and synthesise information from several resources to improve learning
- Write concisely and clearly for the academic and clinical community
- Interpret data
Generic skills
- Manage projects and time
- Work independently
- Use a range of IT software packages and online resources
- Problem-solving
- Diagnosis of OHT, suspect COAG and COAG
- Differential diagnosis of glaucoma-related conditions.
- Evidence-based management decisions in patients with OHT and suspect COAG
- Monitoring the response to treatment in patients with OHT and suspect COAG
- Gonioscopic examination of the anterior chamber angle
- Contraindications of anti-glaucoma medications
- Communication with patients regarding the risk of blindness associated with glaucoma, risk to family
Formative assessments
You will receive comprehensive formative feedback from your online university tutor at the online meetings, when your extended case reports, communication skills and logbook will be discussed in detail. This will help ensure that you are evidencing the required progress towards independent clinical examination and decision-making. You will also receive formative feedback from your clinical placement supervisors and mentors throughout their placement.
Summative assessments
- Online test (25%): This is an electronic multiple-choice style test that will assess knowledge and application across the entire syllabus
- Written Coursework (60%): During the module, you will submit three extended case reports by specified deadlines which are discussed at online meetings with your tutor
- Clinical reasoning viva (15%): You will sit an online viva around 2 months before the end of the module. This is not a qualifying component for the OPT031 module but must be passed to achieve the College of Optometrists' Higher Certificate
- Practical assessment (0%): You will sit a station exam (2 patient examination stations) around 2 months before the end of the module. This is zero-weighted but must be passed to achieve the College of Optometrists Higher Certificate
- Communication skills (0%): Your communication skills will be assessed by your online tutor. This is zero-weighted but must be passed to achieve the College of Optometrists Higher Certificate
The College's Professional Higher Certificate in Glaucoma
This module is accredited for the College of Optometrist's Professional Higher Certificate in Glaucoma. If the student wishes to gain this certificate they must:
- Currently hold the College's Professional Certificate in Glaucoma (Pre-requisite).
- Build a portfolio of clinical experience to gain the Professional Higher Certificate in Glaucoma.
Each student wishing to gain the College's Professional Higher Certificate in Glaucoma is required to undertake a glaucoma-related placement in a hospital eye department under the guidance of a mentor with appropriate glaucoma expertise. It is anticipated that a six-month placement for 1 session per week will enable a portfolio of at least 150 cases demonstrating experience. A guidebook for students and mentors outlines the expectations of this experience.
The portfolio will be checked to ensure that a wide range of clinical scenarios have been included as well as those mandatory cases, with documentation being signed off by the mentor.
On successful completion of OPT031: Glaucoma 2 and clinical placement, the candidate will be awarded the College's Professional Higher Certificate in Glaucoma.
This is not a mandatory part of OPT031: Glaucoma 2 - students are welcome to study this module without the clinical placement and portfolio but they will not be awarded the College's Professional Higher Certificate in Glaucoma.
