Medical Retina (ACO702)

Extend theoretical knowledge of medical retina and develop clinical skills to an enhanced level
ACO702

Key features

This module will enable students to extend their theoretical knowledge of medical retina and develop their clinical skills to an enhanced level to support differential diagnosis, referral, management and treatment pathways.
Successful completion of this module will allow eligible applicants to gain the College of Optometrists Professional Certificate in Medical Retina and will support progression through the Ophthalmic Practitioner Training (OPT) framework in medical retina.
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Module code

ACO702

Credits

20

FHEQ Level

7 – masters degree

Location

Blended learning approach: distance learning delivery of theoretical content, with one face-to-face clinical teaching day at the start of the module, a live webinar opportunity and one face-to-face assessment day at the end of the module.

Module details

This module will equip students with enhanced theoretical knowledge and clinical expertise in relation to medical retina conditions.
Units of study include:
  • Anatomy and Physiology relevant to medical retina conditions.
  • Clinical investigation of the medical retina patient.
  • Age-related macular degeneration.
  • Vitreoretinal disorders.
  • Further retinal disorders.
  • Diabetes and Diabetic eye disease.
  • Clinical governance, informed consent and communication.
Assessment
The assessment for this module includes, written examination, clinical examination (OSCE) and a clinical portfolio with viva.
Learning outcomes
  • Demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the retina, with emphasis on the macula.
  • Demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of common and acute medical retina and macular conditions including differential diagnosis, management, referral and treatment pathways.
  • Demonstrate systematic knowledge and understanding of diabetic screening, grading and referral criteria.
  • Demonstrate the ability to systematically and critically analyse and interpret the clinical findings recorded during the investigation of a patient with a medical retina disorder and produce accurate clinical management recommendations to meet the differing needs of a variety of medical retina patients.
  • Demonstrate the ability to perform advanced clinical assessments to aid the diagnosis and monitoring of medical retina conditions.
  • Systematically organise and communicate with patients to elicit comprehensive and complex clinical information and deliver relevant and accessible advice.

Admissions information

Additional information and documentation required for the application process.
  • Application forms.
  • Change of name forms.
  • Pre-course information.
  • Downloadable guides.
  • Student card.
Admissions information Additional information and documentation required for the application process.Access to application forms, download guides and confirmation information. Visit our admissions homepage.

Module dates

Module start date: 23 September 2024
Clinical teaching day: 23 October 2024 (in person at University of Plymouth)
Webinar session: 27 November 2024 (4–6pm virtual)
OSCE and written examination day: 22 January 2025 (in person at University of Plymouth)
Viva examination: 8 January 2025 or 15 January 2025 (virtual, both dates available)
Occasionally delivery dates might be subject to change – always check with the module lead or Professional Development Unit.
Please be aware that all modules run to minimum numbers.
In the event that there are low numbers, this module may be rescheduled to an alternative date.
Some modules are also subject to maximum numbers.

Fees

Module lead

Entry requirements

  • Registered ophthalmic professional working in a clinical area that will facilitate the successful completion of the module learning outcomes.
  • All registered optometrists are eligible to apply for this module. Other ophthalmic professionals are also eligible to apply for this module, however they must be able to provide a certified letter from their employer confirming an appropriate level of competence in the clinical examination of the eye, to include slit lamp examination, optic disc assessment with indirect biomicroscopy and Goldmann applanation tonometry.
  • Due to the blended learning delivery model of this module, it is an expectation that applicants will have access to wi-fi and relevant electronic devices that allow them to engage fully with all aspects of module delivery, teaching, learning and assessment.
  • In some cases, an interview may be required to assess individual ability to meet the requirements of this module.

  • Accredited by The College of Optometrists

Accreditation

Successful completion of ACO702 Medical Retina will result in the award of the College of Optometrists’ Professional Certificate in Medical Retina. This will entitle you to use the affix Prof Cert Med Ret and, for registrants, the GOC will be notified of your achievement.
Full UK College members will also receive a printed certificate – in addition to access to all our member resources (outlined below); for more detail about certificates please see the College policy.
Note that UK students who complete a higher qualifications course as a student registrant will not receive a certificate until they join the College with full (01-) GOC registration. They must join the College by the next (first) OSCE date following their own OSCE sitting in order to receive a certificate.
All upcoming OSCE dates are on the College website.
The College of Optometrists is the professional body for optometrists. It qualifies the profession, shapes the future of optometry and ensures that current and future optometrists are at the forefront of eye care provision. It is also the voice of the profession to local and national government, and works to support, inspire and continually develop its members and the profession. College-accredited higher qualifications equip you for new challenges and responsibilities and support your continuing professional development and career progression. Credits awarded to obtain Higher Qualifications can also be used towards other masters level qualifications.
The College is keen to support you in your career and if you are not already a member you may wish to consider the benefits of joining the College. These include access to clinical advice, online CPD, webinars, copies of Acuity and more. The College offers a range of membership options, including one for eye care professionals who are not optometrists, so please see our web page for more information on this. For more information on advancing your learning about specific topics take a look at our pages for glaucoma resources, retina resources and paediatric eye care resources.

MSc Advanced Clinical Practice in Ophthalmology

This module can be studied as a standalone 20 credit option or as part of the full MSc Advanced Clinical Practice in Ophthalmology.
An innovative and flexible MSc programme supporting the postgraduate development of registered ophthalmic professionals to an advanced level of practice in Clinical Ophthalmology.
Full programme details can be found on our MSc Advanced Clinical Practice in Ophthalmology page.
Optometry
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You can contact the Professional Development Unit with any queries

Prospective student enquiries:
Current student enquiries:
Professional Development Unit, Level 4 Rolle Building, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom.
Monday – Thursday 8:30–17:00 and Friday 8:30–16:30.