Read syllabus
click hereSummer examination bookings are now closed, we are working to create the examination timetables and dates will be communicated to all learners by 30 April.
Diploma in paediatric eyecare
The ABDO Level 7 Diploma in Paediatric Eyecare is designed to develop advanced clinical, communication and analytical skills required for high‑quality paediatric practice.
The programme combines online synchronous and asynchronous learning, interactive CPD activities and practical skills development, leading to a final professional assessment that brings together your knowledge, clinical reasoning and evidence‑based decision‑making.
The programme consists of seven online modules, interactive online CPD activities and a face‑to‑face practical workshop day, followed by a final professional assessment.
The total expected learning commitment is approximately 900 hours, including taught content, self‑directed study, practical skills development and assessment preparation.
These modules are:
- Module 1 – Evidence‑based practice
- Module 2 – Advanced communication
- Module 3 – Advanced vision management
- Module 4 – Myopia and refractive management
- Module 5 – Neurodiversity
- Module 6 – Facial anthropometry
- Module 7 – Acute and specialist eyecare
Interactive elements
Specialist paediatric peer review (Online)
A mandatory interactive session designed to build confidence in managing a wide range of paediatric cases and creating personalised management plans.
Journal club (Online)
A guided session that strengthens your critical appraisal skills and supports engagement with current research literature.
Face‑to‑face practical skills workshop day
A full‑day practical workshop held at the National Resource Centre in Birmingham.
Sessions include:
- manual frame modifications
- specialist paediatric fitting techniques
- research skills development
- creation of patient management plans
This day forms a core part of your practical learning.
The course is designed for busy working professionals and so the online modular content has been arranged in short, bite-sized formats.
Each module is further split into topics. In each topic you will find a selection of short video lectures with associated learning tasks.
The learning tasks provide you with guided study to enable you to explore the lecture content and help clarify your understanding of the topic. They also assist you to engage with the relevant academic literature and other resources to assist critical analysis and evaluation of the subject.
The bite-sized nature of the course content enables you to engage with your studies around your work and other life commitments.
The mandatory interactive elements of the course enable you to come together with your peers and the course facilitators to further embed your knowledge and skills in paediatric eyecare. Additionally, these sessions are an opportunity to share your learning in your community of practice.
Total available CPD points = 40
3 non-interactive points are available by completing a CPD MCQ test at the end of each of the 7 online modules, which is a total of 21 CPD points
3 interactive points are available by attending the online peer review
3 interactive points are available by attending the online journal club
13 interactive points are available by attending the practical workshop day at the ABDO NRC, Birmingham
Completion of the course will enable completion of the GOC CPD requirements for a dispensing optician or optometrist (not on a speciality register)
The course content has been categorised as clinical areas for the purpose of assessment:
- Advanced vision management (Module 3)
- Myopia and refractive Management (Module 4)
- Neurodiversity (Module 5)
- Facial anthropometry (Module 6)
- Acute and specialist eyecare (Module 7)
Module 1, evidence-based practice and Module 2, advanced communication will be assessed throughout all sections
There are three assessment sections:
(A) Portfolio – three paediatric patient case records with patient management plans to cover three of the five clinical areas
(B) Literature review – 3,000-word submission to cover a one of the five clinical areas
(C) Professional discussion – 1 hour to discuss your portfolio, literature review and cover the remaining clinical area
The ABDO Level 7 Diploma in Paediatric Eyecare programme is designed for eyecare professionals who provide, or wish to develop, advanced paediatric services, including:
- Dispensing opticians seeking enhanced paediatric dispensing and management competencies
- Optometrists developing advanced paediatric assessment and communication skills
Applicants should be GOC registered eye‑care professionals with the foundational knowledge required to engage with Level 7 study. Prior experience with paediatric patients is advantageous but not essential.
Non-GOC registered individuals who want to deepen their knowledge and understanding of paediatric eyecare are eligible to undertake the online module learning element of the programme, but owing to legal restrictions on spectacle dispensing to Children under the age of 16 will not be eligible to undertake the assessment.
Any exceptions will be considered on an individual basis.
ABDO members – £1,500
Non-members – £1,850
If you are not an ABDO member you can join here as an associate member and receive all membership benefits plus a discount on this course.
Benefits include:
- Tailored professional development and CPD programme
- Stay informed with industry news, views and updates
- Networking and mentorship
- Member resources, support and practical advice
- Legal support and professional indemnity insurance
- An extensive range of lifestyle benefits
For all queries, please contact the ABDO professional development team at professionaldevelopment@abdo.org.uk.
FAQs
Payment for the course is a one-off payment by card only. You will then have instant access to the whole course.
No. There are no enrolment or start dates, nor are there any rigid deadlines to meet. The course can be purchased at any time.
The practical skills workshop will run at least twice a year and can be applied for at any point during this diploma. It will be held at the ABDO National Resource Centre in Birmingham.
The course material will be refreshed at least every three years, so we ask that learners complete the course within this timeline. We estimate that it will take a minimum of six months.
The qualification is a Diploma in Paediatric Eyecare and will carry the post-nomination Dip PEc.
ABDO has registered the Level 7 Diploma in Paediatric Eyecare Course with Ofqual.
For personal development, the theoretical units are open to interested parties in the wider sector who are not registered with the GOC; however, it is important to note they will not receive the award of Diploma in Paediatric Eyecare, they will instead receive a statement of achievement from the exams department.
For personal development, the theoretical units are open to interested parties, however it is important to note they will not receive the award of Diploma in Paediatric Eyecare, they will instead receive a statement of achievement from the exams department.