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Introduction to Optometry

Entry requirements


A level

B,C,C

to include one subject from Biology Chemistry Maths and/or Physics

GCSE/National 4/National 5

A minimum of five passes at grade 4 (C) in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, English, Language

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

28

A minimum of 5 in SL Maths and English

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

DDM

DMM. Applied Science, Medical Science or Biomedical Science in addition to an A-Level C grade or above in Biology, Maths or Physics

UCAS Tariff

104

Typically BCC to include one subject from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.

About this course


Course option

1year

Full-time | 2024

Subject

Optometry

This one year full-time Introduction to Optometry programme provides an introduction to clinical and professional optometric practice as well as a thorough education in the core subjects required to study BSc Optometry. It provides students with an alternative entry route onto the BSc Optometry course at City, University of London.

This course has been designed for students with an ambition to study optometry at BSc level, who have a passion for science and will enjoy a future working with the public and colleagues across the healthcare sector. Students develop a basic knowledge of the optics of vision and learn about anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and pathology of tissues and organs of the body related to occular disease. The course provides students with the quantitative analytical skills required to deal with applied optical calculations, as well as training in experimental method and analysis and scientific report writing. Principles of some optometric instruments and techniques are also introduced.

Our Department of Optometry and Visual Sciences has an internationally excellent reputation within the optometric profession. The course curriculum is informed by our world leading research which is at the cutting edge of advances in the sector and the programme is taught by academics who are leaders in their field.

Modules

Core modules on the Introduction to Optometry programme include

- Introductory Biological Sciences
- Optometric Physics
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Personal and Professional Development
- Introduction to Clinical Skills.

In ‘Introductory Biological Sciences’ students learn about the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and pathology of tissues and organs of the body related to ocular disease. During ‘Optometric Physics’ basic knowledge of the optics of vision are developed. In ‘Quantitative Methods’ students are provided with the quantitative analytical skills required to deal with applied optical calculations, as well as training in experimental method and analysis and scientific report writing. In ‘The Introduction to Clinical Skills’ module we introduce students to the principles of some optometric instruments and techniques.

Assessment methods

Assessment on the Introduction to Optometry programme is through a variety of methods which include:

- closed book summative examinations
- laboratory/clinic based coursework
- practical examinations (including formative assessments)
- MCQ and short answer formative tests
- assessment of reports
- oral presentations

Theory examinations are used to ensure core biological, mathematical and physics concepts are understood.

Practical assessment allows you to demonstrate your ability to assess vision, visual acuity and basic investigative techniques, as well as knowledge of the basic anatomy of the external eye.

Coursework assessment permits compiling work, reflecting on the application of your studies and putting your knowledge into context.

Tuition fees

Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:

England
£9,250
per year
Northern Ireland
£9,250
per year
Scotland
£9,250
per year
Wales
£9,250
per year

The Uni


Course location:

City, University of London

Department:

Department of Optometry and Visual Sciences

Read full university profile

What students say


We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.

87%
Optometry

How do students rate their degree experience?

The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Ophthalmics

Teaching and learning

81%
Staff make the subject interesting
95%
Staff are good at explaining things
69%
Ideas and concepts are explored in-depth
96%
Opportunities to apply what I've learned

Assessment and feedback

Feedback on work has been timely
Feedback on work has been helpful
Staff are contactable when needed
Good advice available when making study choices

Resources and organisation

79%
Library resources
71%
IT resources
85%
Course specific equipment and facilities
74%
Course is well organised and has run smoothly

Student voice

Staff value students' opinions
Feel part of a community on my course

Who studies this subject and how do they get on?

97%
UK students
3%
International students
20%
Male students
80%
Female students
84%
2:1 or above
10%
First year drop out rate

Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)

B
B
B

After graduation


The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Ophthalmics

What are graduates doing after six months?

This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.

£14,500
low
Average annual salary
100%
med
Employed or in further education
99%
med
Employed in a role where degree was essential or beneficial

Top job areas of graduates

99%
Health professionals
1%
Elementary security occupations

What about your long term prospects?

Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.

Ophthalmics

The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.

£17k

£17k

£34k

£34k

£34k

£34k

Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.

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This information comes from the National Student Survey, an annual student survey of final-year students. You can use this to see how satisfied students studying this subject area at this university, are (not the individual course).

This is the percentage of final-year students at this university who were "definitely" or "mostly" satisfied with their course. We've analysed this figure against other universities so you can see whether this is high, medium or low.

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This information is from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), for undergraduate students only.

You can use this to get an idea of who you might share a lecture with and how they progressed in this subject, here. It's also worth comparing typical A-level subjects and grades students achieved with the current course entry requirements; similarities or differences here could indicate how flexible (or not) a university might be.

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Post-six month graduation stats:

This is from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, based on responses from graduates who studied the same subject area here.

It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.

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Graduate field commentary:

The Higher Education Careers Services Unit have provided some further context for all graduates in this subject area, including details that numbers alone might not show

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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?

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