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This postgraduate CPD module is part of the three-unit theoretical pathway for Independent Prescribing (IP) for qualified optometrists undertaking or having completed OVM050: Principles of Therapeutics. It enhances therapeutic knowledge, clinical reasoning, and decision-making skills, preparing learners for IP clinical placement and the College of Optometrists Common Final Assessment.

1 starting date

  • Starting date:

    • Duration: 12 weeks (non-consecutive)
    • Time: to
    • Fees: £1,275 (£1,517 for overseas students)
    • Course credits: 15

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Optometry (GOC)- Principles of Prescribing (Module 2 of 3) Course overview

Topics within this module are as follows:

  • History-taking and examination techniques
  • Clinical management guidelines
  • Management of specific ocular conditions
  • Evidence-based practice and clinical governance in relation to prescribing
  • Prescribing safely and professionally

The Department of Optometry and Visual Science at City St George's, University of London has been providing modular postgraduate training in ocular therapeutics for over 15 years. The purpose of this training has been to provide the theoretical knowledge and clinical skills to enable optometrists to manage ocular disease within the context of the legal and regulatory framework provided by the Opticians Act and relevant medicines legislation.

Who is it for?

This module is for UK-qualified optometrists who are currently undertaking the theoretical pathway to becoming an independent prescribing optometrist. It is only available for students who have already commenced or completed OVM050: Principles of Therapeutics.

Timetable

Online Launch Date:

Mar: 8th March 2027 (Module material goes live on Moodle, from this date onwards you will have access to the online materials)

Online Synchronous Teaching Dates:

Mar: 24th March 2027

Apr: 28th April 2027

May: 19th May 2027

Jun: 2nd June 2027

Assessment Date (face-to-face attendance required on-campus):

July: 14th or 15th July 2027 (depending on your group allocation)

Benefits

As the module uses online learning, it can be completed alongside full time working. Attendance is required for the assessment day.

What will I learn?

Knowledge and understanding:

  • Demonstrate a general understanding of the principles of immunology and microbiology
  • Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of pharmacology
  • Provide a detailed explanation of, and differentiate between, anterior ophthalmic conditions and appropriate management
  • Demonstrate a general understanding of the relevant laboratory investigations in ocular disease.

Skills:

  • Exercise and further develop your analytical skills in the field of therapeutics
  • Demonstrate an ability to critically apply your knowledge of pharmacology to prescribing practice
  • Demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills in a variety of theoretical and practical situations
  • Advance your own knowledge and understanding and develop your skills to a high level
  • Demonstrate competence in applying clinical skills to the practice of therapeutics
  • Exercise professional judgement in selecting the most appropriate patient-management strategy

Refer patients appropriately

  • Demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge of immunology and microbiology within the context of a systematic understanding of the pathophysiology of ocular disease
  • Analyse the results of clinical examinations competently acknowledging optometric limitations
  • Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate sources of information, advice and decision support in prescribing practice, taking into account current evidence-based practice
  • Refine your clinical problem-solving skills
  • Operate in a complex and unpredictable environment with an overview of the issues governing best practice

Values and attitudes:

  • Show an awareness of ethical practice

Assessment and certificates

Assessment

The theoretical content of Principles of Prescribing will be assessed via two hours of examination using short answer questions (SAQs) and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs).

Candidates entering the full independent prescribing (IP) programme will complete a three-course scheme (Principles of Therapeutics, Principles of Prescribing and Independent Prescribing) and complete the requisite clinical placement days.

An RPEL arrangement will be used to import postgraduate credits from the clinical placement aspect of the College of Optometrists’ Common Final Assessment to allow students qualifying in IP to be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate or use the credits towards a Diploma or MSc.

Following successful completion of all parts (OVM050 Principles of Therapeutics, OVM058 Principles of Prescribing, OVM053 Independent Prescribing and a 12 day clinical placement), you will be awarded a PG Certificate in Prescribing

Teaching

The module is delivered online – lecture notes and recordings are available via Moodle.

This module is provided by the School of Health & Psychological Sciences.

Award

This is a professional and an academic qualification. On successful completion of this module you’ll receive 15 postgraduate credits, which count towards an MSc in Clinical Optometry. CPD points are also available through completion of this course.

Route to Registration for Additional Supply (AS) and Independent Prescribing (IP)

To qualify for Additional Supply (AS), students must successfully complete two core modules: OVM050 and OVM058.

For those pursuing Independent Prescribing (IP), three modules are required: OVM050, OVM058, and OVM053.

All three modules must be passed prior to advancing to the clinical placement stage. This is a 12-week clinical placement within the hospital eye service.

After successfully completing the IP modules, students must register with the College of Optometrists (CoO). This includes completing a practical clinical placement, submitting a logbook, and passing the Therapeutic Common Final Assessment (TCFA) to join the IP register.

For more detailed information and to book the exam, you can visit the College of Optometrists' website at the link provided below:

Independent prescribing (IP) qualification - College of Optometrists

Once you have completed all parts of the prescribing programme, you will be put onto the specialist register of the General Optical Council (GOC) as an independent prescriber.

This course is provided by the School of Health & Medical Sciences.

Credits

This course is worth 15 credits toward eligible programmes.

Eligibility

  • You should normally be a UK-registered optometrist satisfying all legal requirements to be eligible to practise in the UK
  • You should also be registered with the General Optical Council (GOC) whilst completing all parts of the training
  • Overseas optometrists will be accepted on an ad-hoc basis providing their undergraduate syllabus and clinical responsibilities are similar to those of a UK optometrist
  • You must have completed or be completing module OVM050 - Principles of Therapeutics - before starting this module

English requirements

If your first language is not English, one of the following is required:

  • A first degree from a UK university
  • A first degree from an overseas institution recognised by City St Georges, University of London as providing adequate evidence of proficiency in the English language, for example, from institutions from Australia, Canada or the United States of America.
  • International English Language Test Service (IELTS) a score of 7.0 is required with no subtest below 7.0
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) score 72 required
  • TOEFL 100 overall with 24 in Writing, 20 in Listening, 19 Reading and 20 Speaking
  • Other evidence of proficiency in the English language, which satisfies the board of studies concerned, including registration with your professional regulator.

Recommended reading

The Module Lead will suggest reading material and additional resources during the module.

Tutors

  • Dr Catherine Suttle

    Senior Lecturer

    Catherine graduated in Optometry here at City back in 1992. After her pre-registration year at Mayday University Hospital she studied for a PhD in Visual Sciences at Aston University. She spent 13 years as a lecturer and senior lecturer at the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, then returned to City in 2013. She took the Independent Prescribing modules at City in 2022. Over the past two decades she has been researching or teaching in subjects related to optometry and vision science including visual development, evidence-based practice, and more recently, independent prescribing. She now divides her time between City St Georges and independent practice, and is an assessor for the College of Optometrists.

  • Dr Michelle Hennelly

    Head of Optometry and Visual Science

    Dr Hennelly is the MSc Programme Director for the MSc in Clinical Optometry and MSc in Advanced Ophthalmic Nurse Practitioner (Health and Social Care). Following her pre-registration year at Moorfields Eye Hospital, she completed her PhD at City, University of London in 2002. Dr Hennelly is a Fellow of the College of Optometrists and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

    During her time at City, she has been a Clinical supervisor, Contact Lens Referral Clinic Co-ordinator and Practitioner, UG Year 2 Clinical Skills teacher, MSc and UG dissertation supervisor and UG year 3 lecturer in Eye Disease and Therapeutics. She is currently the co-Module Lead of PG Principles of Therapeutics, Principles of Prescribing, Independent Prescribing, Clinical Management Guidelines and Advanced Ophthalmic Techniques. She is also the VISION 2020 Curriculum Director and has contributed to the development of current eye care curriculums in various African countries.

    She is a member of Editorial Board of Community Eye Health and is currently the Consultant Editor for the Community Eye Health journal. Dr Hennelly is a member of various advisory boards, including the GOC and the College of Optometrists

  • Professor John Lawrenson

    Professor of Clinical Visual Science

    Following a first degree in biochemistry at Cardiff University, John studied optometry at Aston University, graduating with a first class honours degree. After a pre-registration year at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London he undertook postgraduate research at City, University of London, receiving his PhD in 1992. He then completed a post-doctoral research fellowship in Neuroscience at University College London.

    He subsequently returned to join the academic staff at City in 1994, where he currently holds a Chair in Clinical Visual Science. John has a strong interest in evidence-based practice and has recently completed a Masters degree in Evidence-based Healthcare at the University of Oxford.

  • Bhavina Patel

    Programme Director, MSc Clinical Optometry
    Module Lead, Independent Prescribing

    Bhavina Patel is Programme Director for the MSc in Clinical Optometry and leads the Independent Prescribing module at City St George’s, University of London. With over 20 years’ experience in both community and hospital-based optometry, she brings deep clinical insight and leadership to postgraduate education.

    Bhavina is a specialist glaucoma optometrist at St Thomas’ Hospital and Clinical Lead for Primary Ophthalmic Solutions in South-East London. She oversees ophthalmic referrals via the region’s single point of access and supports service delivery across minor eye conditions, glaucoma referral refinement, and post-operative cataract care.

    Her academic and clinical credentials include a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Optometry, Diplomas in Independent Prescribing and Glaucoma, and Professional Certificates in Medical Retina, Paediatrics, and Low Vision. She is a regular contributor to CPD training and interprofessional education, delivering lectures and workshops for optometrists, GPs, and ophthalmologists.

    Bhavina also holds a senior management role within a group of independent optometry practices and serves as Clinical Governance and Performance Lead for the Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham Local Optical Committee.

    Her areas of interest include glaucoma, acute eye care, service redesign, and inclusive clinical education.

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