Clinical Optometry (MSc)

How will I be taught?

Modules may differ, but you can expect to be taught online via lectures, Xerte tutorials and webinars, and by attending workshops for some clinical modules. Some modules have one to one Skype meetings with a tutor. You will study alongside other optometrists who are studying part-time.

Participation in moderated online discussions is a feature in almost all modules.

Practical workshops for skills training will be held at locations convenient to the module content and instructed by educational leaders in that discipline. Lectures are supported by the appropriate references and resources, and accompanied by assessment exercises.

How will I be assessed?

Each module will be assessed formatively and summatively in line with each specific module assessment strategy. This incorporates a variety of modes of assessment including the following:

• Assignment (theoretical and reflective)
• Presentations/ Peer reviewed presentations/ seminars
• Discussion/ seminars/ workshops
• Case scenarios
• Simulated clinical workshops
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations
• Multiple choice question classroom tests.
• Practical examinations.
• Key Features Scenarios (used in medical education to test clinical reasoning, problem-solving ability and the ability to apply given knowledge).
• OSCEs – Objective Structured Clinical Examinations.
• Group wikis.
• Blogs
• Written research project report.

Assessments used within the programme relate to the measurement of professional, academic and clinical practice.

Feedback will be provided on all assessments, and will be available via Learning Central or in written or verbal formats for written reports and coursework, and written and/or oral for practical examinations and presentations.

Discussion via online forums will be moderated by module leaders, allowing them immediate input and opportunity to offer feedback.

How will I be supported?

At the beginning of your course there is an induction module. This will help you find your way around Learning Central and it will also provide general information about how our administration and IT teams will support you.

The University offers a wide range of services and activities designed to support students. These include a student counselling service, a student advisory service, crèche and day facilities, sport and exercise facilities, as well as campus information, library and IT services.

This programme gives students the opportunity to share ideas with health professionals. As well as developing their own intellectual abilities, this sharing of ideas enables them to learn and benefit from the experiences of others. Opportunity is given for this sort of discussion and exchange of ideas through seminars and tutorials.

All students are given a named personal tutor from the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences following registration onto the programme, who is able to assist them with any pastoral care as well as advice on writing style, grammar and academic mentoring.

All modules within the programme make extensive use of Cardiff University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Learning Central, on which students will find course materials, links to related materials and assessment exemplars.

What skills will I practise and develop?

Knowledge & Understanding:

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to:

• critically reflect a knowledge of complex, controversial and/ or contentious issues related to optometric practice
• evaluate and apply modern key concepts of optometric practice to challenges within your own environment and specialist areas of practice
• address and reflect on the benefit of inter-professional teamwork in research and / or the delivery of ophthalmic care

Intellectual Skills:

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to:

• explore, critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate evidence-based literature, clinical guidelines and underpinning theories in optometric practice to assess practice and methods of management in ophthalmic care
• problem solve clinical ophthalmic issues, and build evidence- based solutions;
• present balanced and informed arguments, incorporating

critical judgment and decision making in both written work and presentations/ alternative assessment methods;

• effectively reflect on and evaluate learning

Professional Practical Skills:

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to:

• assess the signs and symptoms of eye disease to make a differential diagnosis and to rank options for management
• problem solve and develop of solutions/ management plans in complex and specialist areas of practice based on evidence and sound professional and clinical judgment
• contribute via your own research to the development of knowledge and evidence base of your profession, demonstrating independence of thought through innovation

Transferable/Key Skills:

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

Mastery in academic skills

• advance your 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

Mastery in generic skills

• manage projects and time
• work independently
• use a range of IT software packages and online resources
• problem solve