Glaucoma higher certificate receives accreditation in Manchester

The College of Optometrists has accredited the University of Manchester and the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital (MREH) as providers of it professional certificate in glaucoma.

The course, which started in January, is designed to enable optometrists to learn the skills to participate in formal referral filtering of glaucoma, as well as ocular hypertension and suspect chronic open-angle glaucoma monitoring schemes.

It is the first higher qualification available to optometrists at the university, which is inviting applications from optometrists, orthoptists, nurse practitioners and other health care professionals working in an extended glaucoma role for the next intake in January 2019.

Senior lecturer in optometry at the University of Manchester, Dr Catherine Porter, said she was delighted to have received the accreditation.

“Our students will have the opportunity to undertake a mini placement at MREH in the optometrist led glaucoma clinics. The profession is well placed to extend beyond its traditional role and courses such as the professional certificate in glaucoma enable optometrists to do so,” she explained.

The College of Optometrists’ director of education, Jackie Martin, added that the Manchester accreditation is the 10th higher qualification in glaucoma available to optometrists across the UK.

“The courses are all designed to fit in with the lives of busy professionals, with the aim that they enable optometrists to develop professionally and progress in their careers,” she said.