Optometry

Aston University

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Course Overview - Optometry

Our Master of Optometry (MOptom) programme is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of optometry and vision science and the practical skills necessary to excel professionally. In our course, you will learn to become a professional clinician responsible for multiple aspects of vision care, specialising in preserving sight by diagnosing and treating visual problems and trained to examine the eyes and detect disorders originating in the eye, brain or other parts of the body. With clinical experience integrated throughout every year, this programme stands out as a premier pathway for aspiring optometrists. Benefit from a full learning experience combined with hands-on learning through our extensive network of industry partners; develop your skills in our dedicated specialist facilities and learn from the experience and insight of our expert teaching staff. Year 1 Develop knowledge of the scientific principles that underpin optometry while acquiring a range of core clinical skills and begin to demonstrate professional skills and behaviours that are required for registration as an optometrist, and complete a one-week period of external clinical learning at a local practice. Year 2 Further your knowledge of the scientific foundations of the profession, and extend your skills in clinical assessment and interpretation. A range of person-centred care themes are explored in readiness for increasing patient exposure. By the end of the year, you’ll be able to complete a full eye examination, fit a variety of contact lenses, advise on spectacles and perform a range of techniques to investigate binocular vision. Year 3 You will see a wide range of patients in our public service clinic and gain experience in specialist optometry services, develop further knowledge in areas such as ocular disease and abnormality and specialist practice, and refine professional skills required for a career in optometry. Final Year You will work under supervision as a student optometrist during your 44-week paid clinical placement. Once you have successfully completed stage 4 and achieved the Optometry MOptom, you’ll be able to apply to join the GOC register as a qualified optometrist. Key course benefits: • Excellent student experience: 94.2% of students felt positive about teaching on their course (NSS 2024) • Professionally accredited: Our programme is regulated by the General Optical Council (GOC) • Gold standard teaching: Aston University was awarded Triple Gold - the highest possible rating for the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023) • Extensive patient contact: Benefit from extensive patient contact throughout the course • Excellent student experience: 94.2% of students felt positive about teaching on their course (NSS 2024) • Top ranking: ranked in top 5 in the UK (Health Professions, Guardian 2025) Facilities Students have access to a range of specialist facilities and industry-level equipment, including an onsite public-facing clinic where students experience patient eye care support under close supervision of our expert staff, and a UK-first dedicated ophthalmic simulation suite equipped with the latest. instruments and simulators, designed to develop your clinical skills. See our website for more details of our cutting edge equipment. Career prospects: Our Optometry programme is valued by some of the best-known companies in the world. Recent graduates have successfully secured careers with employers such as Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, The Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Boots, Vision Express, Optical Express, Essilor, Neil Gordon Opticians, NHS hospitals, Specsavers, and Tesco. No Foundation Programme available Your UCAS Application: Explain any gaps in your education, list full qualification names, provide an academic reference, and include predicted grades (even if sitting privately). More tips: https://shorturl.at/cNR2e