Review: Hertfordshire University's new optometry course

Optometry is an ever-changing profession. Looking forward, it is likely that future changes in NHS provision of eye care will lead to increased responsibility of practitioners in the treatment of minor eye conditions and co-management of existing conditions.

At present, the undergraduate degree, with the exception of a very few adapted courses, has changed very little in recent decades. The degree and award of clinical competence is based on a didactic approach centred around lectures, tutorials and seminars with clinical practice being introduced towards the later years of the course. Increased student numbers have placed some constraints on the clinical experience that can be realistically offered, and patient episodes and experience in assessment and management decisions is difficult to provide adequately.