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- Therapeutic Prescribing for Optometrists
- Programme Structure
Programme Structure
Summary and programme structure
In order to gain additional therapeutic prescribing registration, practitioners are required to undertake additional training. There are two elements to the training (see flow-chart LINK): Flow chart
- University Based Training (modules 1,2 & 3) - part-time distance learning supplemented by one 2-day weekend course for each module at Glasgow Caledonian University
- Period of Learning in Practice - Following completion of the University based training, optometrists are required to undertake practical training in the form of a clinical placement in conjunction with an Independent Prescriber (e.g. an ophthalmologist). To achieve Independent Prescriber status each student must gain at least 12 days of clinical training. The number of days in practice is reduced to 5 days for optometrists training towards Additional Supply.
- Optometrists must pass the Therapeutics Common Final Assessment, which is set by the College of Optometrists before they can register their name in the GOC’s specialist register. Further information about the exam and therapeutic prescribing can be found on the College of Optometrist’s web page <http://www.college-optometrists.org/index.aspx/pcms/site.education.Therapeutics.therapeutics_home/> .
The course content has been developed to encompass all aspects of the General Optical Council (GOC) therapeutic prescribing curriculum and the competency framework for prescribing optometrists that has recently been published by the National Prescribing Centre (in conjunction with the GOC).
The course is conveniently divided into three taught modules at Glasgow Caledonian University, which cover the various aspects of therapeutics prescribing.
The University Based Training includes:
Three modules of part-time distance learning each supplemented by 2-days of lectures and practical workshops (CET points) at Glasgow Caledonian University. Each module is completed in 3-4 months after the lectures and workshops take place by submitting case records and undertaking an exam. The next module starts immediately after the exam of the previous one. A modular structure has been developed to allow optometrists maximum flexibility to develop their clinical knowledge and skills and to complete the program within their own timescale.
Lecture topics include:
- Conjunctivitis & blepharitis
- Superficial injury
- Uveitis & scleritis
- Keratitis
- Dry eye
- Glaucoma
- Clinical governance
- Pharmacology & ophthalmic drugs
- Common systemic conditions and their medications
Practical workshops include:
- Gonioscopy
- Punctal plugs
- Ocular first aid (incl. foreign body removal)
- Glaucoma (nerve fiber analysis, perimetry, pachymetry, case scenarios)
- Dilated contact biomicroscopy & scleral indentation
- Assessing vital signs (pulse, respiratory rate, sphygmomanometry)
- Medical & medication history
The distance learning part consists of a collection of therapeutic articles provided on a CD:
- Basic principles of therapeutics
- Anti-infective drugs for ophthalmic use
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Immunology & allergies
- Microbiology
- as well as articles on all the topics covered in lectures & workshops