College of Optometrists announces new higher qualification at University of Bradford
The University of Bradford has been accredited as a provider of the Professional Higher Certificate in Glaucoma by the College of Optometrists.
The course aims to prepare optometrists to diagnose ocular hypertension, to make a preliminary diagnosis of chronic open angle glaucoma, and to monitor patients with diagnosed ocular hypertension on treatment or in the absence of a management plan.
The course consists of practical workshops including case-based discussions, nine online learning units and a clinical placement in a hospital glaucoma clinic. The clinical placement element ensures that students have the opportunity to put into practice what they have learned during the taught sessions and to refine their clinical decision making in patients with or at risk of developing glaucoma. Students enrolling on the course, which starts in September 2018, should have already completed the Professional Certificate in Glaucoma.
Jackie Martin, Director of Education at the College of Optometrists, said: “It’s great to see that the University of Bradford will be accredited for a second higher qualification in glaucoma. This will allow more optometrists in the area to gain the skills that are required in their clinical care roles. The College’s higher qualifications in glaucoma are proving very popular, this is the eleventh to become available across the UK. They are so important because they demonstrate to other healthcare professionals the training that optometrists have undertaken as well as equipping them with the skills required to deliver community services.”
Dr Jonathan Denniss, Lecturer in Optometry at the University of Bradford, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this course as part of our building portfolio of higher qualifications in optometry at the University of Bradford. Management of ocular hypertension and glaucoma is particularly important for the ocular health of our ageing population. This type of training enables optometrists to play an increasing role in managing these patients both in the community and in hospitals. This course will improve patient outcomes and enable optometrists to relieve some of the burden of ocular hypertension management from NHS hospitals.”
The Professional Higher Certificate in Glaucoma is part of a growing collection of higher qualifications developed by the College to enable optometrists to provide extended services in key areas such as contact lens practice, paediatrics, low vision and medical retina. Courses are undertaken on a part-time basis and are designed to fit with life in a busy practice or hospital department.
For more details on the content of the course please contact Jonathan Denniss
For administrative queries contact admissions.