Optometry courses are full ahead of fee hike

There has been no shortage of applicants for optometry courses this term as students brace themselves for a hike in tuition fees next year.

None of the optometry courses contacted by Optician had vacancies remaining, while a new course at Plymouth University is already up and running.

In its first year of teaching, Plymouth's 36-student course is full after nearly 70 people applied. Five students entered the Plymouth course through clearing, which was fewer than expected.

Luisa Simo, optometry programme lead at Plymouth University, said: 'We are a new programme with a slightly new learning strategy. We are incorporating practice placements in the first year and our equipment is new, so these are things students will be looking for.