Bradford University's optometry course is distinguished by its clinical edge, department head Professor David Elliott tells Emma White
Bradford University's optometry department offers students a BSc Hons optometry degree and a year-long career progression programme designed for contact lens opticians to qualify as optometrists. This course is soon to be extended to dispensing opticians without a contact lens qualification.
The department was awarded 23 out of 24 in a recent subject specialist review of teaching quality and department head Professor David Elliott says that Bradford's distinguishing quality is its clinical edge.
'On the first week of the first year, students will pick up a direct ophthalmoscope and look in the back of a person's eye. Right from the beginning we teach them the basics including retinoscopy and subjective refraction. We build on this in the second year and put it into practice in the third.'
Bradford's optometry department comprises 17 staff members who are actively involved in academic research, with which students become increasingly involved in the final year.
'The majority of our staff are optometrists and many are PQE examiners and college assessors - we have a lot of experience between us.'
The three year-long optometry course attracts around 750 applications year on year, but with 100 places it remains a close-knit environment. Students are required to have A level grades ABB in science subjects and maths. The three-year course is also open to dispensers, who Elliott says have typically worked in practice for a short period and are keen to move into optometry. Each academic year is divided into two semesters with students taking six modules per semester and 36 over the entire course.
Contact lens opticians entering the career progression course must complete a three-month induction where an in-practice optometrist mentor updates their skills in ophthalmoscopy, retinoscopy and subjective refraction. They then sit an exam in order to enter the university period of study and do a mix of second- and third-year modules. Dispensers without the contact lens qualification will have to complete a six month induction prior to starting at university to 'bring them up to speed'. The course is completed in the following summer when the students complete their third-year clinical modules.
While there are no set requirements for the career progression course, Elliott explains that candidates are very carefully selected and that it is not a 'back route' into optometry.
'We look for top-notch candidates who have exceptional experience whether it is a low vision diploma, clinical assistant qualifications, solid CET or teaching experience. The course costs £15,000 and amounts to a full calendar year out of practice so we have to be confident they have the ability to pass before we allow entry onto the course.' The progression courses accommodate a maximum of 24 places each and applicants are narrowed down from CV first and then interview.
Elliot says that in the three years since the course began, students have ranged from their late 20s to their 50s. 'These students are a joy to teach, they ask lots of questions, have a lot of enthusiasm and they are willing to form study groups and work with the other students.' Mature students are also welcomed on to the three-year optometry degree and make up around 10-15 per cent of student numbers.
'We think they have a lot to offer. They are totally different from the students away from home for the first time - they are motivated from day one.'
Elliott says he believes the ever-increasing numbers of optometry students could pose problems in the future with salary levels dipping and he believes the medium-term solution would be to extend the course to four years.
'Not only would this allow a reduction in student numbers per year, but it would also enable the department to fulfil requirements to teach therapeutics and extra skills for shared care.'
The department is already fully involved with local initiatives including diabetic screening, postoperative cataracts and a glaucoma monitoring scheme. The Eye Clinic is located a short walk from the department and comprises 20 cubicles in five suites with two new fundus cameras and a slit-lamp camera. The premises offer a wide range of clinics, including contact lens, low vision, binocular vision, paediatric, dyslexia and diabetic.
'Bradford has a high Asian population and we are part of the Bradford diabetic monitoring scheme. This is good practice for the students.' The department also has good links with the local hospitals including Bradford Royal Infirmary and students sit in with the consultants which Elliott describes as a 'mutually beneficial arrangement'.
A career service is also available to students with advice on CV writing and interview skills. Speakers from the independent and multiple sector visit to provide advice about careers. Students are also encouraged to get involved in charitable work and have the opportunity to work abroad with associations such as Vision Aid Overseas.