Boots Opticians has been confirmed as the multiple partner for a new optometry Masters course at the University of Hertfordshire during a launch event at the campus.
The four-year MOptom course, which embeds the College of Optometrists scheme for registration, will see students experience the practice setting throughout the programme.
Starting in September, the 50 first year students on the course will visit practices and secondary care settings to develop their GOC core competencies, before starting the College scheme for registration in years three and four.
Dr Joy Myint, principal lecturer and programme lead for optometry at the university, described the course as the ‘only one of its type’ allowing graduates to be ‘practice-ready at the point of registration’.
Brand new simulation facilities and cubicles, located in the College Lane Campus’ health research building, have been kitted out with Keeler and Nidek equipment.
Head of postgraduate medicine Cheri Hunter said students would be encouraged to complete placements at independent practices and hospital clinics as well as larger multiple practices.
During her presentation she announced the new tie-up with Boots, saying the university ‘wanted a partner with a track record and willingness to work with us to do something new’.
Hunter would make no comment when asked by Optician about last year’s Stop Hertford petition, which at last count had 2,697 signatures saying there was no need for a tenth optometry course in the UK.
