Therapeutic Prescribing for Optometrists

Course Summary

This modular postgraduate course is designed to enable fully qualified optometrists to gain Additional Supply or Independent Prescriber status.

The course consists of three modules held over one year. The next course providing the entire curriculum, for optometrists without prior therapeutic qualifications, will start in March 2013. We welcome applications from both UK-based and international optometrists.

Each of the three modules carries 20 postgraduate credits. These credits count towards further postgraduate qualifications such as the MSc Clinical Ophthalmology & Vision Research at GCU (start Sep 2012). Further information on the MSc programme can be found here.

The next top-up course for Independent Prescribing, a conversion course for optometrists who are already on the AS/SP register, who have completed training for AS/SP or who are otherwise sufficiently experienced in the field of ocular therapeutics, is scheduled for October 2013, with the exam in January 2014.

Please contact us for further information by emailing prescribingoptom@gcu.ac.uk.

Funding opportunities

It is anticipated that NHS Education for Scotland (NES) will continue the support of practitioners and provide funding to cover tuition fees and course materials. NES funding is only available for optometrists registered with the GOC and practising in Scotland. For 2013, we anticipate funding to be available for up to 50 students. The funding will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. You can apply for NES funding by ticking the relevant box on the Therapeutic Prescribing Application Form.

Read an article about GCU’s Independent Prescribing course, which appeared in Optometry Today on 30.01.2009.‌

Aim of the Course

The course will provide students with a broad education in prescribing practice that will equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to enhance their career and contribute effectively to extended professional roles. Students will develop their theoretical know-how and their clinical skills in the management of common ophthalmic conditions. The programme is designed to train optometrists towards ‘Additional Supply’ or ‘Independent Prescribing’ accreditation. Download the Independent Prescriber Training Flyer 2013 ‌for more information about the course.