OPT034: Ocular Therapeutics

This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills to provide a high quality of ocular therapeutics.

Along with OPT035 and OPT036, this module is accredited by the General Optical Council for the Independent Prescribing Qualification.

This module can only be studied as part of the full 60 credit Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Prescribing, but credits from this award may be able to be applied to the MSc or postgraduate diploma in Clinical Optometry.

Learning objectives

On successful completion of the module you  should be able to:

• demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the anterior eye and adnexa
• demonstrate a detailed knowledge of ocular therapeutic drugs
• evaluate the principal signs and symptoms likely to be associated with common and less common anterior eye diseases and to conduct appropriate ophthalmic investigations
• apply knowledge of the theory and practice relating to the epidemiology, pathology and treatment (drug or surgical intervention) as relevant to abnormal ocular conditions
• demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the pathophysiology, clinical features and natural course of the conditions being treated
• assess the signs and symptoms of anterior eye disease, to make a differential diagnosis and to rank available treatment option
• formulate, recommend and justify by providing evidence of appraisal of the literature an appropriate management plan
• evaluate the response of anterior eye disease to treatment, to review both the working and the differential diagnosis, and choose to revise the diagnosis and management plan or not, justifying and explaining the choice(s) made
• evaluate the response of anterior eye disease to treatment and choose to revise the diagnosis and management plan or not, justifying and explaining the choice(s) made.

How the module will be delivered

This module includes a face to face contact teaching day towards the start of the module (Covid permitting) which involves an interactive case based session. Studies continue with a series of distance learning articles and lectures delivered on Learning Central. There are interactive case discussions and other teaching in webinars.

In total there are two contact sessions which include the contact teaching day towards the start of the module, and an online examination held remotely at the end of the module i.e. at the end of semester one.

Skills that will be practised and developed

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

Syllabus content

• Overview of Independent Prescribing
• Basic principles of ocular therapeutics
• Licensing, indications, contraindications and precautions
• Anatomy and physiology of the anterior eye and adnexa
• Clinical ocular pharmacology
• Drugs used in the treatment of anterior eye disease
• Introduction to microbiology
• Introduction to immunology and allergies
• Blepharitis and other eyelid conditions
• Infective conjunctivitis
• Allergic eye disease
• Keratitis
• Uveitis
• Tear film and dry eye disorders
• Corneal trauma
• Ophthalmic emergencies and differential diagnosis

How the module will be assessed

You will be recommended to undertake formative activities presented online, and submit a formative case report to obtain feedback in advance of the summative case report.

• Online test (65%): There will be a two hour written exam at the end of the semester.
• Case report (35%): Students will submit an extended case report on the treatment of an anterior eye condition.