Glaucoma course accreditation confirmed

Moorfields Eye Hospital and the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology have secured accreditation to offer a Professional Diploma in Glaucoma. 

Awarded the accreditation by the College of Optometrists, the diploma has been created to “prepare optometrists to participate in community or hospital-based schemes for the management of patients with established chronic open-angle glaucoma and other cases of glaucoma deemed suitable for management by optometrists,” the College explained.  

The course combines online learning and face-to-face teaching, with students required to complete a clinical placement as a part of the qualification. 

The first course will run from 8 November and applications are now open. To be able to enroll on the course, practitioners need to have completed the Professional Certificate and Professional Higher Certificate in Glaucoma. 

Commenting on the diploma, director of education at the College of Optometrists, Jackie Martin (pictured), said: “We know there is a demand for this course from optometrists who have already completed the Professional Higher Certificate and are keen to complete the suite of qualifications, so we’re very pleased to be able to accredit the final level qualification at Moorfields.” 

Pleased to gain accreditation to enable the hospital to offer the course, principal optometrist at Moorfields Eye Hospital, Jay Varia, explained: “Optometry is changing rapidly and as the needs of our patients and the demands on our healthcare system increase, the profession is ideally placed to extend its traditional role into more direct clinical care. With the knowledge gained via the suite of glaucoma qualifications accredited by the College of Optometrists, practitioners can work safely and confidently to manage stable glaucoma patients in the community or co-manage complex glaucoma in hospital clinics. These qualifications allow optometrists to demonstrate an ability to provide the best patient care in their chosen area and level of qualification.”

For more details, email Mr Varia.