Ophthalmology Advanced Clinical Practice (Paediatrics)

Expand your role in providing eye care for children and young people. Take your career as an orthoptist, optometrist or ophthalmic nurse to the next level and become an advanced clinical practitioner.

Course description

Enhance your knowledge, skills and experience and become an advanced clinical practitioner in the field of paediatric ophthalmology.

This is the only accredited masters programme in paediatric ophthalmology advanced practice. It is designed for orthoptists, optometrists and ophthalmic nurses working in paediatrics who want to transform their careers and the services they provide.

The curriculum covers all four pillars of advanced practice: clinical practice, leadership and management, education and research.

You will learn how to diagnose and manage a wide range of paediatric ophthalmic conditions including cerebral visual impairment, blepharitis, and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Associated Uveitis. You’ll also practice a variety of advanced examination techniques such as retinal imaging, the slit lamp, ophthalmoscopy, icare, and handheld OCT.

Optional modules cover the assessment and management of low vision patients, ocular motility diseases, medical exemptions, and research methods.

Throughout the course, you’ll build confidence as a clinical leader, developing strategies to make complex clinical decisions, educate colleagues and drive positive change within your organisation.

The programme is led by practicing eye care professionals and researchers, who are experienced in supporting mature and distance learners. In your final year, you will work with them on an independent research project, either by collecting and analysing empirical data, or exploring the latest findings on a topic relevant to your practice.

Why Sheffield?

• Flexible, work-based study: The course combines work-based learning with online study, giving you the freedom to fit your studies around your clinical workload.
• Bespoke leadership and education module: Our second-year Clinical Leadership and Education in Ophthalmology module is the only one of its kind to focus specifically on the leadership and education skills required within eye care.

Accreditation

This programme is accredited by the Centre for Advancing Practice.

NHS England’s Centre for Advancing Practice has been established to standardise post-registration education by accrediting advanced practice courses that achieve the standards outlined in the multi-professional Advanced Practice Framework.

Practitioners who have completed accredited education programmes will be eligible to be listed on the Centre’s Advanced Practice Directory.

Please see our University website for the most up-to-date course information: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses