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BSc (Hons) Optometry Plymouth University

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What is an optometrist An optometrist is a professional that takes care of the visual status and monitors the health of the eyes Optometry is a science-based profession that is committed to extending, applying, evaluating and reviewing the evidence that underpins and informs its practice and delivery

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An optometrist can specialise in: Paediatrics Elderly Low vision Binocular vision Contact lenses Refractive surgery Therapeutics

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Key skills The exercise of clinical judgement and informed interpretation is at its core -Observation -Analysis -Integration -Deduction Communication Motivation

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Why a career in optometry? It is a hands on profession It has a mixture of health and technical abilities Sense of achievement and job satisfaction Variety of patients means your work is never the same Opportunities to work in different professional environments

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Why a career in optometry Opportunities to specialise in different areas You never stop learning Professional development and recognition Work is available in industry and in research Opportunities to work abroad

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The Qualification BSc (Hons) Optometry Three year degree with an academic and a practice orientation. Designed to meet the requirements of the General Optical Council (GOC). Eligibility to apply for Pre-registration Optometry Scheme (Objective structured clinical examination)

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Course structure Highly integrated and focused course The course will be delivered using Practical and Theoretical elements with a large emphasis on placements and practical learning scenarios - Study Time - Lectures - Practical element - PBL sessions

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Course Structure Year 1 focuses on development of your underpinning knowledge of the basic scientific principles and introduction to essential clinical skills. Modules include: Clinical Optometry Skills Geometric and Physical Optics Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology Visual Optics and Ophthalmic Lenses Visual Perception Ocular Anatomy and Physiology

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Practical element Clinical skills from Year 1 Placements in each year of the course Placement experience Year 1: 1 week Year 2: 2 weeks Year 3: Professional clinic

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Placements & Study Centres You may be required to travel for your practice placements, developing a broader practice experience

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A person with age related macular degeneration Relevant anatomy Relevant physiology Mechanisms ARMD Medications Optometry skills Psychological consequences Current research Effects on carers Team members Problem Based Learning

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Course Aims Safe, competent, confident practitioner Accountable and Autonomous Life long learning skills Research ethos Non-judgemental and anti-discriminatory EU requirements

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Communication skills Teamwork skills Problem solving skills / clinical reasoning skills Self-management skills Planning and organising skills IT skills Life-long learning skills Employability Skills

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Your Application What we look for: Academic qualifications including Strong GCSE profile: - five grades C or above (must include English, Maths and Science) 340 points from three A levels - 2 A level grade A's must come from either Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology Personal Statement References

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Personal Statement Demonstrate an interest and knowledge for the profession Evidence of related work experience Demonstrate evidence of good communication skills Ability to empathise with others Problem solving and use of initiative

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Personal Statement Ability to study/work independently and in groups Extra curricular/outside interests Willingness to learn Quality of written work Supportive references

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Conditional Offer For non A level applicants, on receipt of successful attainment of the required qualifications please notify the Admissions Department immediately!

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Funding For information on funding please attend one of the following Funding Talks: all Drake Circus Campus 10.15 10.45 Rowland Levinsky *LT 1 11.30 12.00Sherwell Lower *LT 13.00 13.30Sherwell Lower *LT 15.15 15.45Sherwell Lower *LT

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Any Questions?

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A copy of this presentation can be found on the University website shortly after the open day at: www.plymouth.ac.uk/opendays Follow us, and tell us what you think about today @ PlymUni_HES facebook.com/PlymUniHES