UK's first integrated optometry and independent prescribing MOptom (IP) qualification from Glasgow Caledonian University
NHS Education for Scotland's (NES) Optometry team plays key role in supporting this programme.
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) recently launched a new, integrated Master’s degree MOptom (IP) Optometry with Independent Prescribing from which optometrists will graduate as independent prescribers (IP), from 2029.
About the programme
The programme covers both the science of vision and the practice of optometry, and is aligned with the General Optical Council’s (GOC) Requirements for Approved Qualifications in Optometry or Dispensing Optics and Requirements for Approved Qualifications in Additional Supply (AS), Supplementary Prescribing (SP) and/or Independent Prescribing (IP).
On successful completion of the programme, graduates will be eligible to register with the GOC as an optometrist and to join the GOC’s specialty register of independent prescribing (IP) optometrists. Scotland is currently the only UK nation where this opportunity will be available.
It is the culmination of years of collaboration and planning between NES, Scottish Government and the optometry schools in Scotland.
NES’s role
NES, with both GCU and The University of Highlands and Islands (UHI), is supporting exciting new clinical placements in the final fifth year of the programme, the Foundation Training Year (FTY). This has been the result of close working relationships with the network of community eyecare practices.
Placements will rely not only on the supervision from community optometrists, of which nearly a third are already IP qualified, but also on delivery of our simulated clinical experiences.
The FTY is being developed to support the training of adaptable, therapeutically qualified optometrists who will be confident and capable of operating in multi-disciplinary teams across a variety of healthcare settings, to meet diverse and changing patient needs.
For more information, please visit Optometry Foundation Training Year (FTY) | Turas | Learn or contact nes.ftyoptometry@nhs.scot
Or visit MOptom (IP) Optometry with Independent Prescribing | Glasgow Caledonian University | Scotland, UK
Contact: corpcomms@nes.scot.nhs.uk
November, 26 2024