Your guide to higher qualifications
Contents
Introduction to higher qualifications
3
Contact Lens Practice Professional Higher Certificate – City University Professional Higher Certificate – Moorfields Eye Hospital
4 4 6
Glaucoma Professional Certificate – Cardiff University Professional Certificate – City University Professional Certificate – Ulster University Professional Higher Certificate – Cardiff University Professional Higher Certificate – Moorfields Eye Hospital
8 8 9 10 11 12
Low Vision Professional Certificate – Cardiff University Professional Certificate – City University Professional Higher Certificate – Cardiff University
13 13 14 15
Medical Retina Professional Certificate – Cardiff University Professional Certificate – City University Professional Certificate – Ulster University
16 16 17 18
Student FAQs
19
College affixes and certificates
22
2 | Your guide to higher qualifications
Introduction to higher qualifications
If you are thinking about how to take your career to the next stage, our expanding range of higher qualifications could help take you there. A higher qualification can develop your skill set, lead to promotion, help you in day-to-day practice, give you the chance to do more at work and equip you to work in enhanced services. Our qualifications are flexible and designed to fit around busy lives and practices, and a combination of e-learning and face-to-face teaching means you can progress at your own pace.
The College of Optometrists | 3
Professional Higher Certificate in Contact Lens Practice City University London
Affix Higher Cert CL. Course details This course consists of: • three practical days • 16 hours of lectures • eight hours of workshops • six hours of online lectures • 10 hours self-directed learning following each lecture • 270 hours self-directed study. Credits 30 credits. CET points have also been sought for each hour of online or face-to-face teaching.
4 | Your guide to higher qualifications
Length of course Approximately one year. Online material will be made available before the course starts, with results released four weeks after submission.
Aims This course aims to improve the knowledge and skills of GOC registered optometrists so that they are able to provide an enhanced standard of contact lens care in both a community and/or hospital setting. This course: • builds on the baseline knowledge and skills of qualified optometrists’ contact lens practice • is a standalone College accredited certificate • is a prerequisite to the College accredited Diploma in Contact Lens Practice • can contribute to further College accredited qualifications • is worth 30 postgraduate credits.
Who is this course designed for? Designed for qualified optometrists, this course will provide students with an in-depth and systematic understanding of specialist contact lens fitting, for example, regular and irregular astigmatism, presbyopia, myopia control and orthokeratology. Additionally, it will provide in-depth and systematic understanding of complications induced by contact lens wear.
Contact and more information Dr Michelle L Hennelly MSc Programme Director E: m.hennelly@city.ac.uk Senior Programme Officer E: pghealth@city.ac.uk T: +44 (0)20 7040 5000 city.ac.uk
Related resources Guidance for professional practice: Specialist contact lenses (A341-A349) college-optometrists.org/guidance Clinical management guidelines college-optometrists.org/cmgs
Additional resources for College members UK contact lens practice for children and young people college-optometrists.org/researchCL Primary care optometry topic update college-optometrists.org/topic-updates Peer review case study on contact lens patient college-optometrists.org/peer-CL Peer review case study on child with contact lenses college-optometrists.org/peer-CL-child
The College of Optometrists | 5
Professional Higher Certificate in Contact Lens Practice Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with University College London
Affix Higher Cert CL. Course details This course has five components. These are: • online lectures and supporting material • one day of face to face learning which will involve lectures, case discussions and tutorials • two days of workshops and practical sessions • work based experience with portfolio, which should take between six and 12 months to complete and submit • assessments. Credits 30 credits, and CET points.
Length of course One year, including a work based portfolio. However, for those claiming for APL portfolio, it is five to six months.
Aims This course is designed to improve knowledge and skills of GOC registered optometrists so that they are able to provide an enhanced standard of contact lens care in both a community and/or hospital setting. Following completion of the course, students will be able to demonstrate the attributes below. A detailed knowledge of: • RGP lens design and fit • presbyopic lens fitting • regular and irregular astigmatic lens fitting • dry eyes and its management • contact lens care products and ocular lubricants • current legislation and guidelines in contact lens practice. An understanding of:
6 | Your guide to higher qualifications
• myopia control and orthokeratology. Management and advice for: • maintaining healthy contact lens wear • contact lens complications. An ability to: • produce a comprehensive contact lens record • communicate effectively with contact lens patients, fellow professionals and contact lens manufacturers and suppliers.
Who is this course designed for? Optometrists: • with a minimum of a BSc (Hons) Optometry or equivalent • who are GOC registered • who have a minimum of two years clinical experience. Contact and more information For clinical queries: E: judith.morris@ucl.ac.uk For administrative queries: E: hq@moorfields.nhs.uk moorfields.nhs.uk ucl.ac.uk
Related resources Guidance for professional practice: Specialist contact lenses (A341-A349) college-optometrists.org/guidance Clinical management guidelines college-optometrists.org/cmgs
Additional resources for College members UK contact lens practice for children and young people college-optometrists.org/researchCL Primary care optometry topic update college-optometrists.org/topic-updates Peer review case study on contact lens patient college-optometrists.org/peer-CL Peer review case study on child with contact lenses college-optometrists.org/peer-CL-child
The College of Optometrists | 7
Professional Certificate in Glaucoma Cardiff University
Affix Prof Cert Glauc. Course details This certificate comprises two courses: Glaucoma Foundation and Glaucoma 1. They include: • three practical days • 10 distance learning video lectures, supported by four online learning sessions which include case-based discussions. Credits 20 credits and at least 20 CET points.
Aims This course aims to prepare optometrists to participate in formal referral refinement and OHT/suspect COAG monitoring schemes. It is intended to ensure the currency of core competencies (including those required for pathways involving repeat measures), and provide additional specialist knowledge and skills for monitoring patients with diagnosed OHT and suspect COAG with an established management plan.
Length of course One academic year (currently starting in September or March).
Who is this course designed for? This course is designed to provide postgraduate eye health care professionals (including optometrists) with the background knowledge and understanding about the pathogenesis and detection of glaucoma at an advanced level, and the practical skills to provide a consistent approach to glaucoma detection in primary care. It aims to provide knowledge for optometrists to participate in monitoring those suspected of having glaucoma or ocular hypertension (OHT), who have been diagnosed in secondary care but who are not receiving treatment. Contact and more information E: pgoptom@cardiff.ac.uk cardiff.ac.uk
Related resources Guidance for professional practice: Examining patients at risk from glaucoma (A126-A146) college-optometrists.org/guidance Additional resources for College members SIGN 144: Glaucoma referral and safe discharge college-optometrists.org/SIGN-144 Eye diseases topic update college-optometrists.org/topic-updates
8 | Your guide to higher qualifications
Joint commissioning guidance on glaucoma Joint commissioning guidance on NICE quality standards on glaucoma Joint commissioning guidance on the referral of glaucoma suspects by community optometrists Joint commissioning guidance on supervision in relation to glaucoma-related care by optometrists college-optometrists.org/commissioning
Professional Certificate in Glaucoma City University London
Affix Prof Cert Glauc. Course details There are three practical days with at least 21 hours of teaching, which include: • formal lectures • demonstrations/practical sessions. The course also includes 129 hours of self-directed study. Credits 15 credits. CET points are sought for each hour of online or face to face teaching.
Length of course Please contact the provider for details about the length of the course. Online material will be released before this course starts, with results released four weeks after submission. Aims This course aims to prepare optometrists to participate in formal referral refinement, and OHT/suspect COAG monitoring schemes. It is intended to ensure the currency of core competencies (including those required for pathways involving repeat measures) and provide additional specialist knowledge and skills for monitoring patients with diagnosed OHT, and suspect COAG with an established management plan.
Related resources Guidance for professional practice: Examining patients at risk from glaucoma (A126-A146) college-optometrists.org/guidance Additional resources for College members SIGN 144: Glaucoma referral and safe discharge college-optometrists.org/SIGN-144 Eye diseases topic update college-optometrists.org/topic-updates
Who is this course designed for? This course is designed for hospital or community optometrists, with some experience of the diagnostic skills for glaucoma detection. It will provide you with the specialised and advanced theoretical and practical base necessary to become a member of a glaucoma shared care/ co-management scheme. Contact and more information Dr Michelle L Hennelly MSc Programme Director E: m.hennelly@city.ac.uk Senior Programme Officer E: pghealth@city.ac.uk T: +44 (0)20 7040 5000 city.ac.uk
Joint commissioning guidance on glaucoma Joint commissioning guidance on NICE quality standards on glaucoma Joint commissioning guidance on the referral of glaucoma suspects by community optometrists Joint commissioning guidance on supervision in relation to glaucoma-related care by optometrists college-optometrists.org/commissioning
The College of Optometrists | 9
Professional Certificate in Glaucoma Ulster University
Affix Prof Cert Glauc. Course details This course consist of: • a suite of eight online audiovisual lectures, self study and peer discussions • one face to face tutorial session • one day of assessment. Credits 20 credits. CET points are also available for online learning. Length of course Twelve weeks of online lectures and additional content, a day of practical training, plus one day of practical and written assessments.
Aims This course aims to prepare optometrists to participate in formal referral refinement and OHT/suspect COAG monitoring schemes. It is intended to ensure the currency of core competencies (including those required for pathways involving repeat measures) and provide additional specialist knowledge and skills for monitoring patients with diagnosed OHT and suspect COAG with an established management plan.
Who is this course designed for? This course is designed for optometrists and other health care practitioners with relevant clinical glaucoma experience, who have an interest in extending their knowledge and skills in glaucoma management within a primary care setting. The course provides the knowledge for healthcare practitioners working in primary care to monitor patients with diagnosed ocular hypertension or suspect glaucoma, within the confines of locally agreed protocols. Contact and more information Dr Julie-Anne Little E: ja.little@ulster.ac.uk T: +44 (0)28 7012 4374 Mr Patrick Richardson E: p.richardson@ulster.ac.uk ulster.ac.uk
Related resources Guidance for professional practice: Examining patients at risk from glaucoma (A126-A146) college-optometrists.org/guidance Additional resources for College members SIGN 144: Glaucoma referral and safe discharge college-optometrists.org/SIGN-144 Eye diseases topic update college-optometrists.org/topic-updates
10 | Your guide to higher qualifications
Joint commissioning guidance on glaucoma Joint commissioning guidance on NICE quality standards on glaucoma Joint commissioning guidance on the referral of glaucoma suspects by community optometrists Joint commissioning guidance on supervision in relation to glaucoma-related care by optometrists college-optometrists.org/commissioning
Professional Higher Certificate in Glaucoma Cardiff University
Affix Higher Cert Glauc. Course details This course consists of: • two full days of practical sessions, workshops and case based discussions • five online lectures and a day of assessments • module leader support to help guide you through your placement. The Professional Certificate is a pre-requisite. Credit 40 credits (including Certificate) and at least 20 CET points.
Aims This course aims to prepare optometrists to participate in community or hospital-based schemes involving the diagnosis of OHT and preliminary diagnosis of COAG (when not working under the supervision of a consultant ophthalmologist). It further develops skills in detecting change in clinical status and decision-making in patients at risk of developing glaucoma. Optometrists working at this level should possess all of the competencies required at Certificate Level.
Length of course One semester (17 weeks) currently starting in September and March.
Related resources Guidance for professional practice: Examining patients at risk from glaucoma (A126-A146) college-optometrists.org/guidance Additional resources for College members SIGN 144: Glaucoma referral and safe discharge college-optometrists.org/SIGN-144 Eye diseases topic update college-optometrists.org/topic-updates
Who is this course designed for? This course is designed for anyone that has a Professional Certificate in Glaucoma, and who wishes to be involved in the diagnosis of OHT and preliminary diagnosis of COAG (when not working under the supervision of a consultant ophthalmologist). Anyone wishing to achieve this Higher Certificate needs to have a hospital placement in a glaucoma clinic, to gain a minimum of 150 cases. A six month placement is recommended, with a minimum of one day a week. Contact and more information E: pgoptom@cardiff.ac.uk cardiff.ac.uk
Joint commissioning guidance on glaucoma Joint commissioning guidance on NICE quality standards on glaucoma Joint commissioning guidance on the referral of glaucoma suspects by community optometrists Joint commissioning guidance on supervision in relation to glaucoma-related care by optometrists college-optometrists.org/commissioning
The College of Optometrists | 11
Professional Higher Certificate in Glaucoma Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with University College London
Affix Higher Cert Glauc. Course details This course consists of: • online learning • two face to face days including lectures, workshops, tutorials and case discussions • a placement, which Moorfields may be able to assist with from 2016 • assessments.
Aims This course is designed to prepare optometrists to participate in community or hospital-based schemes involving the diagnosis of OHT and preliminary diagnosis of COAG (when not working under the supervision of a consultant ophthalmologist). It further develops skills in detecting change in clinical status and decision-making in patients at risk of developing glaucoma.
Credits 30 credits. Over 30 CET points are also available, including IP specialist points.
Who is the course designed for? Optometrists who should have: • the Professional Certificate in Glaucoma (Prof Cert Glauc) • a minimum of a BSc(Hons) Optometry or equivalent • GOC registration • a minimum of two years post qualification experience. Contact and more information For clinical queries: E: jay.varia@moorfields.nhs.uk For administrative queries: E: hq@moorfields.nhs.uk moorfields.nhs.uk ucl.ac.uk
Length of course One year, including the placement. However for those claiming APL placement, it is approximately six months.
Related resources Guidance for professional practice: Examining patients at risk from glaucoma (A126-A146) college-optometrists.org/guidance Additional resources for College members SIGN 144: Glaucoma referral and safe discharge college-optometrists.org/SIGN-144 Eye diseases topic update college-optometrists.org/topic-updates
12 | Your guide to higher qualifications
Joint commissioning guidance on glaucoma Joint commissioning guidance on NICE quality standards on glaucoma Joint commissioning guidance on the referral of glaucoma suspects by community optometrists Joint commissioning guidance on supervision in relation to glaucoma-related care by optometrists college-optometrists.org/commissioning
Professional Certificate in Low Vision Cardiff University
Affix Prof Cert LV. Course details This course consists of: • two full practical days • 11 online lectures • three online sessions of guided case-based learning. Credits 20 credits and 20 CET points. Length of course One academic year (currently starting in September or March).
Aims This course aims to prepare optometrists to be able to provide a high standard of low vision care (in a hospital or community setting) for non complex cases, including: • goal setting • assessment of vision • provision of low vision aids • advice about lighting and other methods of enhancing vision • provision of information and advice • referral to other services including social services • re-appraisal of goals • arrangement for follow up.
Related resources Guidance for professional practice: Assessing and managing patients with low vision (a147-A181) college-optometrists.org/guidance
Who is this course designed for? This course is designed for optometrist and dispensing opticians that want to provide a low vision service in the community or in a hospital setting. Contact and more information E: pgoptom@cardiff.ac.uk cardiff.ac.uk
Additional resources for College members Low vision topic update college-optometrists.org/topic-updates Peer review case study on low vision aid assessment college-optometrists.org/peer-LV Joint commissioning guidance on low vision college-optometrists.org/commissioning
The College of Optometrists | 13
Professional Certificate in Low Vision City University London
Affix Prof Cert LV. Course details This course consists of: • eight hours of online lectures • 13 hours of face to face learning over two days, featuring lectures, group work, practical sessions, demonstrations and discussions • 129 hours of self-directed study. Credits 15 credits. CET points are sought for each hour of online or face-toface teaching. Length of course Please contact the provider for details about the length of the course.
Aims This 15 postgraduate credit certificate aims to prepare optometrists to be able to provide a high standard of low vision care (in a hospital or community setting) for non complex cases. This includes: • goal setting • assessment of vision • provision of low vision aids • advice about lighting and other methods of enhancing vision • provision of information and advice • referral to other services including social services • re-appraisal of goals • arrangement for follow up.
Online material will be released before the course starts, with results released four weeks after submission.
Related resources Guidance for professional practice: Assessing and managing patients with low vision (a147-A181) college-optometrists.org/guidance
Who is this course designed for? This course is designed for optometrists who wish to build on their baseline knowledge and skills of low vision. It will update optometrists on recent developments in vision research relevant to visual impairment, in addition to providing them with knowledge which will help them to manage a visually impaired person in practice. Contact and more information Dr Michelle L Hennelly MSc Programme Director E: m.hennelly@city.ac.uk Senior Programme Officer E: pghealth@city.ac.uk T: +44 (0)20 7040 5000 city.ac.uk
Additional resources for College members Low vision topic update college-optometrists.org/topic-updates Peer review case study on low vision aid assessment college-optometrists.org/peer-LV Joint commissioning guidance on low vision college-optometrists.org/commissioning
14 | Your guide to higher qualifications
Professional Higher Certificate in Low Vision Cardiff University
Affix Higher Cert LV. Course details This course consists of: • 11 lectures • four podcasts • two key features scenarios • two webinars • two practical training days • one assessment day • pre-requisite: Professional Certificate in Low Vision.
Aims This course is aimed at providing eye care practitioners with the knowledge and skills to provide a high standard of advanced low vision care. It builds on the core knowledge acquired in the Low Vision Certificate to develop an ability to deliver low vision care to more complex low vision cases and specialist populations.
Credits 40 credits (including Certificate) and at least 20 CET points.
Who is this course designed for? This course is designed for anyone that has a Professional Certificate in Low Vision, and who wants to provide advanced low vision care in the community or in a hospital setting. Anyone wishing to achieve this Higher Certificate needs to be providing a low vision service to people with complex needs in order to collect cases for a log book and case presentations. Contact and more information E: pgoptom@cardiff.ac.uk cardiff.ac.uk
Length of course One academic year (currently starting in September).
Related resources Guidance for professional practice: Assessing and managing patients with low vision (a147-A181) college-optometrists.org/guidance
Additional resources for College members Low vision topic update college-optometrists.org/topic-updates Peer review case study on low vision aid assessment college-optometrists.org/peer-LV Joint commissioning guidance on low vision college-optometrists.org/commissioning
The College of Optometrists | 15
Professional Certificate in Medical Retina Cardiff University
Affix Prof Cert Med Ret. Course details This course consists of: • 14 distance learning lectures • online key features scenarios • three webinars • four practical training days including workshops, tutorials and case discussions. Credits 20 credits and 20 CET points. Length of course One academic year (currently starting in September).
Aims • provide community and hospital based optometrists with knowledge of common medical retina conditions and includes topics covering screening, referral and treatment pathways, with an emphasis on optical coherence tomography (OCT) interpretation and diabetic retinopathy grading • enable community and hospital based optometrists to make accurate and appropriate referral decisions for patients with medical retina conditions • prepare optometrists to commence working in photography based diabetic retinopathy screening services • prepare optometrists to commence working under supervision in medical retina new patient triage clinics and AMD treatment-retreatment clinics.
Related resources Guidance for professional practice: Examining patients with diabetes mellitus (A115-A125) college-optometrists.org/guidance Clinical management guidelines college-optometrists.org/cmgs Additional resources for College members Joint commissioning guidance on AMD college-optometrists.org/commissioning
16 | Your guide to higher qualifications
Who is this course designed for? This course is for community and hospital based optometrists, orthoptists and ophthalmic nurses who have to make referral decisions for patients with medical retina conditions, those that want to commence working under supervision in medical retina and AMD treatment-retreatment clinics photography based diabetic retinopathy screening services. Contact and more information E: pgoptom@cardiff.ac.uk cardiff.ac.uk
Professional Certificate in Medical Retina City University London
Affix Prof Cert Med Ret. Course details This course consists of: • 14 hours of online lectures • 14 hours of face to face lectures • two practical days including workshops, patient examinations and case discussion • 122 hours of self-directed study. Credits 15 credits. CET points are sought for each hour of online or face-toface teaching. Length of course Please contact the provider for details about the length of the course. Online material will be released before the course starts, with results released four weeks after submission.
Aims This course: • provides community and hospital based optometrists with knowledge of common medical retina conditions and includes topics covering screening, referral and treatment pathways, with an emphasis on optical coherence tomography (OCT) interpretation and diabetic retinopathy grading • enables community and hospital based optometrists to make accurate and appropriate referral decisions for patients with medical retina conditions • prepares optometrists to commence working under supervision in medical retina new patient triage clinics and AMD treatment-retreatment clinics • prepares optometrists to commence working in photography based diabetic retinopathy screening services.
Who is this course designed for? This course is designed for community and hospital based optometrists who wish to enhance their knowledge of common medical retina conditions, enabling them to make accurate and appropriate referral decisions. Additionally, it will prepare optometrists to start working in diabetic retinopathy screening services, and (under supervision) in medical retina new patient triage clinics and AMD treatmentretreatment clinics. Contact and more information Dr Michelle L Hennelly MSc Programme Director E: m.hennelly@city.ac.uk Senior Programme Officer E: pghealth@city.ac.uk T: +44 (0)20 7040 5000 city.ac.uk
Related resources Guidance for professional practice: Examining patients with diabetes mellitus (A115-A125) college-optometrists.org/guidance Clinical management guidelines college-optometrists.org/cmgs Additional resources for College members Joint commissioning guidance on AMD college-optometrists.org/commissioning
The College of Optometrists | 17
Professional Certificate in Medical Retina Ulster University
Affix Prof Cert Med Ret. Course details This course consists of: • 20 hours of online lectures • one face-to-face day of lectures and tutorials • 130 hours of self study. Credits 15 credits. CET points are also available for online learning. Length of course This course is 10 to 20 weeks, depending on experience. There is a practical day which is held at the end of the 20 week period from when the course opens.
Aims This course: • provides community and hospital based optometrists with knowledge of common medical retina conditions and includes topics covering screening, referral and treatment pathways, with an emphasis on optical coherence tomography (OCT) interpretation and diabetic retinopathy grading • enables community and hospital based optometrists to make accurate and appropriate referral decisions for patients with medical retina conditions • prepares optometrists to commence working under supervision in: medical retina new patient triage clinics and AMD treatmentretreatment clinics • prepares optometrists to commence working in photography based diabetic retinopathy screening services.
Related resources Guidance for professional practice: Examining patients with diabetes mellitus (A115-A125) college-optometrists.org/guidance Clinical management guidelines college-optometrists.org/cmgs Additional resources for College members Joint commissioning guidance on AMD college-optometrists.org/commissioning
18 | Your guide to higher qualifications
Who is this course designed for? This course is designed for optometrists and other health care practitioners (e.g. orthoptists, ophthalmic photographers) with an interest in expanding their knowledge and clinical skills in medical retina. Contact and more information Dr Raymond Beirne E: r.beirne@ulster.ac.uk T: +44 (0)28 7012 4477 Professor Tara Moore E: t.moore@ulster.ac.uk T: +44 (0)28 7012 4577 ulster.ac.uk
Student FAQs
1. H ow long will the course take? The course length will vary, depending on which provider you choose and which qualification you are studying for, but some examples are: • A professional certificate will usually take one term, about 12 weeks. • A professional higher certificate will usually take two terms, about six months. • A professional diploma is designed to take between a year to 18 months, since a placement is usually included in the course. 2. How many hours study will it entail? The hours will vary, depending on which provider you choose and which qualification you are studying for, but some examples are: • A professional certificate offers 150-200 guided learning hours, this includes about 130 hours of self study, one or more days practical training and online or face to face lectures.
• A professional higher certificate offers 300–400 guided learning hours, this can include a one session a week placement of between three and 12 months, three days of practical training, online lectures with self study making up the remaining time. • A professional diploma offers 600–750 guided learning hours, this can include a one day a week placement of between 12–18 months, several days practical training, online or face to face lectures and self study. 3. I have already done some training. Will I get any credits or exemptions? Yes, you may be able to claim accreditation of prior learning (APL). Your evidence will need to be within the last two years of the course start date. Ask the qualification provider for details of how to apply for APL. The College also has new rules for providers offering higher levels of qualifications, which you can read here.
The College of Optometrists | 19
Student FAQs continued
4. Will I have to take an exam? You will be assessed on your knowledge and skills. The assessments can include, but are not limited to: • multiple choice questions online • short or long answers in a written exam or online • practical assessments or OSCEs • case based scenarios • visual recognition and identification of clinical signs (VRICS) • direct observation of practical skills (DOPS) • mini clinical examination (CEX) • a logbook of your patient episodes, if required by the course. 5. Where will I get my case records or evidence of patient episodes from? This can vary but if you are working towards the certificate level you can usually use records from your own practice. If you are working towards a higher certificate or diploma then you would normally need records from your work in a hospital or clinic.
20 | Your guide to higher qualifications
6. How often will I have to attend lectures? Many of the higher qualifications providers offer blended learning programmes which means you can do much of your learning online, including watching online lectures and podcasts. Most of the courses will involve between one and three days of practical training and lectures. These are usually held on consecutive days and over the course of a weekend to make the course as flexible as possible for busy professionals. Lower level certificates may offer all the training online but you can expect higher level certificates and diplomas to require some face to face attendance. 7. How much will it cost? Fees vary among providers and you should contact your chosen provider to find out the fee for the relevant course. 8. Is there a time limit between taking each level? No, but you would be expected to practice what you have learnt at one level before taking a higher level. In addition, the higher qualification provider’s calendar of courses may limit the speed with which you can move through the levels.
Student FAQs continued
9. Can I switch between providers? Yes, if you have completed a qualification with one provider you can apply to take another qualification or the next level with a different provider. Providers are required by the College to recognise any College accredited higher qualification.
12. How many other people will be on the course with me? This will vary, depending on which provider you choose and which qualification you are studying for, but course groups are usually between 15–30 participants.
10. Will my employer recognise my new qualification? Yes, employers are increasingly recognising the higher qualifications. The College is promoting the qualifications to employers. If you are successful in gaining a higher qualification you will be able to use one of the new affixes, find out more by visiting our affix page. These affixes also mean that patients can be made aware of your additional training and skills.
13. When does the course start? Courses start throughout the year so you can pick a course start date to suit your own work and personal commitments.
11. Will the GOC recognise my new qualification? The GOC will recognise your new qualification and you can now add your affix to the GOC register and to the College’s directory for the public LookAfterYourEyes.
The College of Optometrists | 21
College affixes and certificates
The College has introduced affixes for all of its accredited higher qualifications. The affixes also apply to higher qualifications already awarded. Optometrists who have achieved a College accredited higher qualification can use an affix, or letters, after their name. This demonstrates their additional knowledge and skills in that subject. There are different levels of higher qualifications and each one has a particular affix. An example of an affix is Prof Cert Glauc for the Professional Certificate in Glaucoma. The range of College accredited higher qualifications includes: Contact lens practice, Glaucoma, Low vision, Medical retina and Paediatric eye care. For the full list of affixes see the table below. Qualification
Affix
Professional Higher Certificate in Contact Lens Practice
Higher Cert CL
Professional Diploma in Contact Lens Practice
Dip CL
Professional Certificate in Glaucoma
Prof Cert Glauc
Professional Higher Certificate in Glaucoma
Higher Cert Glauc
Professional Diploma in Glaucoma
Dip Glauc
Professional Certificate in Low Vision
Prof Cert LV
Professional Higher Certificate in Low Vision
Higher Cert LV
Professional Diploma in Low Vision
Dip LV
Professional Certificate in Medical Retina
Prof Cert Med Ret
Professional Higher Certificate in Medical Retina
Higher Cert Med Ret
Professional Diploma in Medical Retina
Dip Med Ret
Professional Certificate in Paediatric Eye Care
Prof Cert Paed Eye Care
Professional Higher Certificate in Paediatric Eye Care
Higher Cert Paed Eye Care
Certificates Certificates issued to successful candidates after January 2015 will automatically include the affix. If you achieved a qualification before January 2015, you can purchase a replacement certificate which includes your affix. Replacement certificates for members cost ÂŁ10, and certificates for non-members are ÂŁ30. All non-members will be charged for new and replacement certificates. To find out more, call 020 7766 4354 or email educationteam@college-optometrists.org.
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The College of Optometrists | 23
The College of Optometrists 42 Craven Street London WC2N 5NG 020 7839 6000 info@college-optometrists.org college-optometrists.org/HQ
24 | Your guide to higher qualifications