The University of Bradford has this week been accredited to provide the Professional Certificate in Glaucoma. The qualification, which will largely be delivered by distance learning, will prepare students to take part in glaucoma referral refinement and OHT and COAG monitoring schemes when a patient diagnosis has already been established. The course marks the first College of Optometrists’ accredited higher qualification available to optometrists at the University of Bradford.
The certificate can be obtained mostly through online learning units, with some practical teaching being delivered via attendance at the University. It will be assessed by a computer-based examination and a practical station examination, both of which will be held at the University. The computer-based examination will be conducted under closed book conditions, and the practical examination will be conducted using the University’s clinical teaching facilities. The course will start at two points in the year: September and January, with exams following in January and June respectively.
Jackie Martin, director of education for the College of Optometrists, said: “We’re very pleased that the Professional Certificate in Glaucoma is now available at the University of Bradford, particularly since this is the first higher qualification to be made available at the University. The Professional Certificate in Glaucoma is a popular course and it is good to see that there will be more opportunities for optometrists to undertake this certificate. It’s also encouraging to see such a high level of interest from optometrists wishing to progress their careers by taking higher qualifications. As well as helping to increase knowledge and confidence in specific areas, the College’s higher qualifications also allow optometrists to take full advantage of opportunities to deliver more through community services.”
Professor Edward Mallen, Head of the School of Optometry and Vision Science, and Professor of Physiological Optics at the University of Bradford, said: The School of Optometry and Vision Science is delighted to announce the launch of this new qualification. It is the first in a series of higher qualifications that the School will offer. We look forward to helping optometrists expand their scope of clinical practice.”
The Professional Certificate in Glaucoma is part of a growing collection of higher qualifications developed by the College in order to enable optometrists to provide extended services in key areas such as low vision, contact lens practice and medical retina. In addition to the Glaucoma Certificate, higher qualifications are also available in Contact Lens Practice, Low Vision, Medical Retina and Paediatric Eye Care. Courses are undertaken on a part-time basis and are designed to fit with life in a busy practice or hospital department.