Independent Prescribing for Optometrists

This is a post-registration qualification open to General Optical Council (GOC) registered optometrists in the UK. Graduates will be eligible to join the GOC independent prescribing speciality register of Independent Prescribing (IP) Optometrists.

Our course combines self-paced academic study with practical experience in real and simulated clinical environments. You’ll take three 30-credit modules, all at SCQF Level 11 (Masters-level).

The two theory modules cover ocular disease assessment, diagnosis, pharmacological and non-pharmacological and treatment options, and the medical, ethical and legal considerations around prescribing. The placement module is undertaken in a supervised clinical setting. All modules are compulsory, i.e. there are no optional or elective modules.

The theory modules are primarily online. We teach through a mixture of self-paced academic study, including online articles and recorded lectures, enhanced with peer-to-peer case-based discussions. You’ll develop a community of professional practitioners, supporting each other to self-reflect, feedback and discuss cases with your peers and University staff. Experiential and peer learning are deeply embedded into our course. You’ll attend campus one day per module, usually a Sunday, for face-to-face interactive learning which may include lectures, clinic-based practical workshops, workshops, peer discussion sessions and panel discussions and networking.

The placement module gives you the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge and to extend your practical skills and problem-solving abilities safely within real and simulated clinical environments. Placements can take place in a community optometry practice, hospital eye department and/or a NHS Education for Scotland (NES) teach and treat facility with the opportunity for simulation-based training to be utilised. You will need to complete at least 90 hours of IP-specific clinical experience under supervision by a designated prescribing practitioner (DPP) supervisor. See additional information below.

With over 1700 successful graduates from across the UK, GCU has been the sole provider of postgraduate theoretical training for independent prescribing optometrists in Scotland since 2009.