Optometry students to benefit from £1.5m upgrade at Aston University

Aston University will launch healthcare simulation facilities in 2022 to enhance the training of optometry, medical and pharmacy students.

The £1.5 million upgrade includes augmented reality simulation slit lamp biomicroscopes for students to observe a wide range of eye conditions.

The university has highlighted that the ocular simulation unit is the only one of its kind in Europe.

Aston University’s head of optometry, Professor James Wolffsohn, highlighted that the facilities will enable students to refine their skills identifying and managing a wide range of eye diseases.

“One of the simulators even allows them to utilise their smartphone to practise at home. They can gain direct feedback and be assessed by the simulators, allowing more flexible, diverse and intensive learning than can be achieved with clinical practice placements,” he said.

The new facilities are scheduled to open in time for the September 2022 intake of students.

Alongside the ocular simulation unit, Aston University received £806,226 from the Office of Students to establish a simulation accident and emergency room.

Medical and pharmacy students will be able to practise treating patients in an emergency setting using high-fidelity manikins.