Primary Care Ophthalmology (Online Learning)
Provided by The University of Edinburgh Medical School
About the course
Study length
This three year, part-time, interprofessional Masters programme in Primary Care Ophthalmology is taught entirely online.
It is offered by the University of Edinburgh in partnership with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd).
The programme leads to the degree of Master of Science (MSc). There are also exit points at:
- PG Certificate - after one year of study
- PG Diploma - after two years of study
Who is this programme for?
This programme provides opportunity if you are a postgraduate or health professional working in secondary and primary care, including in the following roles:
- optometrist
- dispensing optician
- orthoptist
- ophthalmic nurse
- other ophthalmic allied health professional
This programme is also highly relevant if you are a medical or surgical trainee entering specialty training in ophthalmology, or if you are a general medical practitioner with a special interest in ophthalmology.
The programme is designed to be completed alongside an ophthalmic clinical post.
What will I learn?
The MSc is developed in partnership with NHS Education for Scotland (NES) as part of the Scottish Government's directive to empower and enhance the shift of balance of care for cataract, glaucoma, medical retina, emergency and ophthalmic triage from secondary to primary care.
You will enhance your knowledge with particular regard to recognition, diagnosis and treatment of ocular disease as you take on extended, shared care and advanced practitioner roles in the management of eye disease as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
The Year 3 MSc research project also serves as an opportunity to conduct applied research in your sub-speciality of interest and to develop an academic career.
Accreditation
The MSc in Primary Care Ophthalmology is accredited by:
- the Royal College of Nursing
- the British & Irish Orthoptic Society (April 2021)
Competence
The RCN cannot confirm the competence of any individual practitioner.
How will I learn?
The programme runs on a semester basis over three years - from September until June each year. You will follow a weekly timetable.
The learning content is delivered each week in a flexible, modular manner, through an online learning environment.
The programme involves a minimum of 15-20 hours of study per week.
Courses
All courses are compulsory and are taught and assessed using a clinical problem-based approach and involve participation in discussion boards and reflective portfolios.
You will accumulate credits by completing a series of courses leading to a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or Master of Science degree.
The minimum time for completion of the full Masters programme is three years, and the maximum time for completion is six years.
How will I be assessed?
Knowledge and understanding will be assessed with a formal multiple-choice question (MCQ) exam. You will also participate in academic discussion boards, leading and facilitating debate, and complete a reflective ePortfolio.
You are required to complete a Masters research project in Year 3 in an appropriate ophthalmology sub-speciality of your choosing, for example, original research or a systematic review.
Year 1: Certificate
- Basic Ophthalmic Science: Anatomy, Pathology, Physiology of the Ocular Structures
- Basic Examination & Investigation Techniques
- Basic Glaucoma
- Basic Macular Disease
- Basic Acute Eye Disease & Vision Loss
- eTriage and Refinement of Referral Criteria
Year 2: Diploma
- Advanced Ophthalmic Science: Anatomy, Pathology, Physiology of the Ocular Structures
- Advanced Examination & Investigation Techniques
- Advanced Glaucoma
- Advanced Macular Disease
- Advanced Acute Eye Disease & Vision Loss
- Advanced eTriage and Refinement of Referral Criteria
Year 3: Masters
The final year involves a supervised Masters research project. This will be undertaken on an approved topic that reflects your subspeciality interest and will require the submission of:
- four written assessments, including a final project report (7,500-10,000) words
Find out more about compulsory and optional courses
We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.
Enquire
| Start date | Venue | |
|---|---|---|
| 08 Sep 2025 | Distance learning | Book now |