Clinical Optometry (MSc)

How will I be taught?

Modules may differ, but you can expect to be taught online (via lectures) and webinars, and by attending workshops for clinical modules. You will study alongside optometrists who are studying part- time. Full time students will be supported by an academic co-ordinator.

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 from assessments will be provided in written format for written reports and coursework, and written and/or oral for practical examinations and presentations. Scientific discussion via online forums will be moderated by module leaders, allowing them immediate input and opportunity to offer feedback. Students are required to pass each individual component in order to pass the module.

How will I be supported?

At the beginning of your course there is a compulsory face to face induction week. 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.

There is an MSc co-ordinator and this person will also act as your personal tutor 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.

For students whose first language is not English there are open access English Language courses available. These are 5 week courses run on a first come first served basis and cost an administration fee of £25.

What skills will I practise and develop?

After fully engaging with this course, you should be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

• demonstrate a knowledge of complex, controversial and/ or contentious issues related to optometric practice
• illustrate an understanding of modern key concepts of optometric practice by applying them to challenges within your own environment and specialist areas of practice
• appreciate the benefit of inter-professional teamwork in research and / or the delivery of ophthalmic care

Intellectual Skills:

• critically examine the evidence based literature to assess practice and methods of management in ophthalmic care

Professional Practical Skills:

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

Transferable/Key Skills:

Academic Skills:

• advance your own knowledge and understanding
• collate and synthesise information from a number of 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 solve