A Universidade do Central Lancashire (UCLAN) lançou um novo programa de grau de optometria após receber a aprovação formal do Conselho Opático Geral (GOC). foi desenvolvido pela UCLAN em resposta à demanda pelos serviços de optometristas e distribuições de oculistas, que devem aumentar como resultado do envelhecimento da população. De acordo com o Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), a perda de visão no Reino Unido deve dobrar de dois milhões para mais de quatro milhões de pessoas até 2050.
The Integrated Masters in Optometry (MSci Optometry) is the first of its kind to incorporate blended learning, combining online and classroom teaching with practical experience which is work-based.
The course has been developed by UCLan in response to the demand for the services of optometrists and dispensing opticians, which is set to increase as a result of the ageing population. According to the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), sight loss in the UK is set to double from two million to over four million people by 2050.
Para serem elegíveis para o programa, os alunos devem ter trabalhado em uma prática de optometria por pelo menos um ano e ter consentimento de seu empregador. Eles também serão obrigados a passar uma semana em cada quatro no campus de Preston da UCLAN, participando de "blocos" residenciais, incorporando o aprendizado em habilidades clínicas e práticas ao longo de cada ano. Liderança. A conclusão dos dois primeiros anos do curso resultará na concessão da qualificação de dispensação oftalmológica do BSC (Hons) com a flexibilidade adicional de poder sair do programa nesse ponto. Para aqueles que progredem nos três anos adicionais, o final (quinto) ano verá os alunos combinarem o esquema de optometria para o período de registro, juntamente com o módulo de projeto de pesquisa do mestrado. Das cidades, tem sido um problema há muitos anos. O curso também está alinhado com a estratégia da Universidade de se envolver com os empregadores locais e nacionais para abordar as lacunas de habilidades em áreas difíceis de recrutar, seguindo o projeto estabelecido por nossa provisão médica e dentária estabelecida. ”
Delivered through the Vision Science division of UCLan’s School of Medicine, the five-year programme will see teaching and learning focused on the development of expertise in a range of areas including ophthalmic dispensing, standards of practice, management of vision and eye abnormalities and leadership.
The course is a fast-track programme as within each calendar year, the teaching and learning will be delivered over three semesters meaning there are no long gaps between learning. Completion of the first two years of the course will result in students being awarded the BSc (Hons) Ophthalmic Dispensing qualification with the added flexibility of being able to exit the programme at that point. For those progressing onto the additional three years the final (fifth) year will see students combine the Optometry Scheme for Registration period along with the Master’s research project module.
The University is now recruiting for applicants to embark on the programme which will begin September 2019.
Professor Cathy Jackson, Head of UCLan’s School of Medicine, said: “Across the UK, a localised shortage of optometrists in areas away from cities has been a problem for many years.
“Our unique programme, designed with the blended learning approach, will help solve this problem by targeting those already working within the industry. The course is also aligned with the University’s strategy of engaging with local and national employers to address skills gaps in hard to recruit areas, following the blueprint set by our established medical and dental provision.”
Rupal Lovell-Patel, Academic Lead for Vision Sciences at the School of Medicine, added: “Receiving approval from the General Optical Council (GOC) is a significant step and we’re pleased to now be able to offer this programme to those looking to advance their careers, supporting both individuals and employers in this sector. It will provide a valuable opportunity to upskill through flexible learning, much like degree apprenticeships which enable students to earn as they learn.”
Para obter mais informações sobre o programa, visite:https://www.uclan.ac.uk/courses/msci-optometry.php
