This three year part-time Master’s programme in Primary Care Ophthalmology, taught entirely online, is offered by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the University of Edinburgh and leads to the degree of Master of Science in Primary Care Ophthalmology (MSc). Developed in partnership with NHS Education for Scotland (NES), this programme supports the optometrists’ and early career ophthalmology trainees’ acquisition of applied knowledge in the basic ophthalmic sciences, equipping them with the key academic tools to support their lifelong learning throughout their training and ophthalmic career. This programme provided the opportunity for optometrists to enhance their knowledge with particular regard to diagnosis and treatment of ocular disease as they take on an ever expanding role in the management of eye disease as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team. The MSc clearly signals the medical or surgical trainee’s aspiration to specialise in Ophthalmology and supports their professional accreditation by contributing to learning for the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (FRCSEd) and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth) examinations in the UK and Ireland. The award of the MSc will highlight the student’s commitment to continuing professional development and will ensure a competitive edge when applying for optometry or ophthalmology positions. Students will be taught by experienced tutors, all leading clinicians in their field, and will have access to a large structured learning resource of education materials, including an unparalleled online library. Illustrative cases will cover technical skills and procedures as well as core knowledge. This programmes aims to provide high standard, flexible learning for the next generation of optometrists and medical and surgical ophthalmologist, linking an academic degree to the fellowship examinations and to develop the student’s academic portfolio and facilitate ophthalmic research projects. Eligibility Criteria The MSc is aimed at optometrist, Family Medicine Practitioners, GPs and trainees who are entering specialty training in Ophthalmology (ST 1/2 [Specialty Training Years] in the UK or equivalent outside the UK). Minimum entry requirement to the programme is a UK 2:1 undergraduate degree in optometry, a medical degree or its international equivalent. Applications from health professionals involved in eye care with a 2:1 or higher result undergraduate degree in orthoptics, dispensing optics, ophthalmic nursing, biomedical sciences or international equivalents, will also be considered. Applicants who fall below these entry requirements but who have relevant work experience (3-5 years) will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants from those with non-University qualifications such as RGN with appropriate clinical experience will be considered on an individual basis. Prospective UK applicants would normally be expected to be registered with the GOC or GMC, or their regulatory equivalent and be working in a community practice or recognised hospital optometry or ophthalmology department at the time of commencing the course. Programme Structure Year 1 Semester 1 September to January Basic Ophthalmic Sciences 10 credits Basic Investigation & Examination Techniques 10 credits Basic Glaucoma 10 credits Basic Macular Disease 10 credits Semester 2 February to June Basic Acute Eye Disease & Vision Loss 10 credits eTriage & Refinement Of Referral Criteria 10 credits Examination MCQ and EMI Total credits (at Level 11): 60 Cumulative credits: 60 Award: Certificate Year 2 Semester 1 September to January Advanced Ophthalmic Sciences 10 credits Advanced Investigation & Examination Techniques 10 credits Advanced Glaucoma 10 credits Advanced Macular Disease 10 credits Semester 2 February to June Advanced Acute Eye Disease & Vision Loss 10 credits Advanced eTriage & Refinement Of Referral Criteria 10 credits Examination MCQ and EMI Total credits (at Level 11): 60 Cumulative credits: 120 Award: Diploma Year 3 Assessment is via a Masters Research Project with project milestones which involve the planning, execution and development of a research paper, potentially involving clinical or laboratory research. The phases leading up to hand-in of the Masters Research Project are outlined below. Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Outline Project Approval 10% Detailed Summary Submission 20% Formal e-Poster Presentation 20% Masters Project Report 50% October December March April Total credits (at Level 11): 60 Cumulative credits: 180 Award: Master of Science Fee Information Students on full-time and part-time programmes of study of more than one year should be aware that annual tuition fees are subject to revision and are typically increased by approximately 5% per annum. This annual increase should be taken into account when you are applying for a programme. Online learning fees 2024-2025 | The University of Edinburgh Please see the scholarships page for full information on the range of Edinburgh Surgery Online scholarships available Further Information and How to Apply Primary Care Ophthalmology (Online Learning) MSc | The University of Edinburgh This article was published on 2024-08-22
