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Ophthalmic Technology and Procedures

Key information


Duration: Part-time and flexible distance-learning for the Ophthalmic Technology and Procedures (distance learning) module. Generally a 4 month study period for this module.

The Ophthalmic Technology and Procedures (practical training) will take place during March/April, May/June and December/January and will require attendance at Aston University for 2 days.

Note the distance learning module has to be successfully completed before the practical training module can be attended.

Assessment: For Ophthalmic Technology and Procedures (distance learning) module, using our e-learning environment, Blackboard, 6 Multiple Choice Questions from each online Seminar and one essay (1,000 to 3,000 words), outlining scope of current clinical practice and how it can be improved by application of what has been learned from this module.

For Ophthalmic Technology and Procedures (practical training) module, station format competency assessment for each procedure.

Start dates: 1st March and 1st October for the distance learning module. Applications are required 6 weeks prior to the start date. Please enquire using the email address below for the date of the next practical training module.

Fees: Each module costs £580. This does not include accommodation at Aston University for the two day practical training module.

To register: Please complete this registration form

Further information: Tel: 0121 204 3906 or email: optometrycpd@aston.ac.uk

Overview

This programme is aimed at ophthalmic support staff who are interested in developing knowledge and skills in the area of technology and procedures. It leads to an Aston University accredited certificate. The fees are £525 per module and the programme consists of two modules. The fees do not include travel to Aston or accommodation while at Aston.


The Aston University Ophthalmic Technology and Procedures programme aims to develop an understanding of the need and conduct of ophthalmic techniques required to support current hospital or practice based eye care. It consists of two undergraduate level modules, the first is in the form of web based lectures and assessment which can be taken at the students own pace over a 4 month period, and the second is practical based and consists of 2 days of workshops and competency based assessments at the University.

The aim of the programme is to provide an understanding of a range of clinical ophthalmic techniques, why they are conducted, what variables need to be adjusted, how to ensure patient examination compliance and an overview of how to interpret the results. The techniques covered include how to assess visual function, imaging of the different structures of the eye, determining the visual field, measuring the pressure within the eye and blood pressure, and quantifying ocular biometry. Aspects of patient management will be explored from patient triage and the use of ophthalmic drugs to contact lens wear and patients who are visually impaired.

Programme summary

The content of the programme is summarised below:
  • Basic ocular anatomy
  • Assessment of visual function
    • Visual acuity
    • Contract sensitivity
    • Colour vision
  • Ocular imaging
    • Anterior and posterior eye Optical Coherence Tomography
    • HRT
    • Fundus and slit-lamp photography
  • Visual fields
  • Non-contact tonometry
    • Ocular biometry
    • Pachymetry
    • Partial coherence interferometry
    • Optical low coherence reflectometry
  • Instillation of ophthalmic drugs, diagnostic drugs and usage
  • Basic contact lens theory
  • Basic management of patients with low vision
  • Blood pressure monitoring and urine analysis
  • Dry eye management