Independent Prescribing - Learning in Practice

This module builds on the strengths of the pre-requisite module: Fundamentals Principles of Prescribing, providing tools to develop clinical testing and management skills.

The educational aims of this module are to develop skills and behaviours required of General Optical Council registered IP optometrists. Within the context of relevant practice-based learning, you will demonstrate competence in the assessment, diagnosis and management of ophthalmic conditions for which you intend to prescribe.

Who is it for?

The course if for GOC-registered optometrists. Optometrists wishing to become Independent Prescribers are required to complete this course as well as OVM072 Fundamental Principles of Prescribing. On entry to the module, candidates will need to identify a suitably experienced Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) who has agreed to supervise 90 hours of learning and experience in practice.

Timetable

Online Launch Date:

May: 24^th May 2027

(Module will go live on Moodle)

Online Synchronous Teaching Dates:

Jun: 2^nd June 2027 (10am – 5pm)

Jun: 9^th June 2027 (10am – 5pm)

Jun: 16^th June 2027 (10am – 5pm)

Assessment Date

(face-to-face attendance required on-campus)

Jul: 14^th July 2027 (10am – 5pm)

Benefits

Completion of this course (in addition to OVM072) will enable optometrists to be entered onto the GOC specialist register for therapeutic prescribing.

This module is worth 30 credits and can be taken as part of the MSc/PGDip/PGCert in Clinical Optometry.

By the end of the course you will be able to:

• Demonstrate competence in the assessment, diagnosis and management of the ophthalmic conditions for which you intend to prescribe
• Recognise complex sight-threatening conditions that should be referred
• Consult effectively with patients and monitor the response to treatment, to review both the working diagnosis and to modify treatment, refer, consult or seek guidance, as appropriate.
• Analyse clinical decisions based on, and with reference to, needs of the patient and be critically aware of your own limitations
• Critically analyse and evaluate your ongoing performance in relation to prescribing practice
• Exercise and further develop the analytical skills required for the analysis of a patient with an ocular problem
• Demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills in a variety of theoretical and practical situations
• Demonstrate an ability to differentially diagnose sight-threatening from non-sight threatening eye disease and an awareness of personal responsibility and professional codes of conduct in relation to referral
• Adapt your clinical reasoning and decision making skills to the highest score of practice
• Advance your own knowledge and understanding and develop your skills to a high level whilst critically evaluating sources of information
• Take a comprehensive medical history and examine the eye using appropriate instrumentation and clinical techniques
• Refer patients with ocular abnormalities appropriately for further investigations (if required) and operate in a complex and unpredictable environment with an overview of the issues governing best practice
• Show an awareness of your own limitations and an ability to practise within a framework of professional accountability and responsibility and demonstrate a reflective approach in the review and development of prescribing practice.
• Critically apply your knowledge of pharmacology to prescribing practice and demonstrate an ability to monitor the response to treatment and modify the management plan or refer if necessary.
• Show an appropriate professional attitude towards patients and colleagues and an awareness of ethical practice and a commitment to life-long learning.

Uphold high professional standards and ethical responsibilities, and apply legislation and relevant policies and guidance that impact on your prescribing practice

Teaching

Directed asynchronous (online) lectures and 3 synchronous (online) workshops will prepare you for your clinical placement supervised by an approved Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP).  At Master’s level, candidates are expected to engage in self-directed independent study.

Assessment

Your progress in meeting the learning outcomes will be assessed using:

1. A 1.5 hour Key Feature Scenarios Exam
2. A 1.5 hour Patient Management Case Scenarios Exam
3. Submission of Portfolio
4. Completion of Direct Observation in Practice skills assessments

Assessment is face-to-face either on campus or on location at clinical placement.

Award

This is a professional and an academic qualification.  On successful completion of this module, you’ll receive 30 postgraduate credits, which count towards the PG Cert in Independent Prescribing and also count towards an MSc in Clinical Optometry.  CPD points are also available through completion of this module.

This module is provided by the School of Health and Medical Sciences.

Credits

This course is worth 30 credits toward eligible programmes.

This course is for GOC-registered optometrists.

Completion of OVM072 - Fundamental Principles of Prescribing is a pre-requisite for this module.

You might be able to  skip OVM072 if you have completed the theoretical studies in your undergraduate study (That is Fundamentals of Prescribing  OVM066, part of Master of Optometry MOptom (Hons) * City St George's, University of London). Please provide your transcripts for proof when you apply.

Clinical placement must be arranged by the student before starting this module.  Any costs associated with the placement are the trainee's responsibility and will vary depending on the fees, if any, charged by the HES provider or clinical practice.

English requirements

For those students whose first language is not English the following qualification is also required:

• IELTS: 7.0

Your module lead will suggest reading material and additional resources during the module.