England's universities are facing budget reductions of 12 per cent, but it is still uncertain whether optometry departments will be affected.
The overall teaching grant to universities from the Higher Education Funding Council for England has been cut by more than 8 per cent and research by 3 per cent in comparison to last year.
City University in London will see its funding reduced by 10.8 per cent, but told Optician that it was still unsure about the effect this would have on different departments.
A spokesperson for Aston University said: 'Aston receives a £29m recurrent grant, a 3.8 per cent reduction year on year excluding the university modernisation fund. Aston is currently in the middle of the budget review process for 2011-12'.
The spokesperson added that efficiencies were being made to ensure resources were focused on teaching and research. 'Our optometry department is highly-rated and has high levels of applicants for places and it is our intention that this will continue into the future.'
The situation in Wales also appears uncertain. A Cardiff University spokesperson commented: 'The exact level of teaching cuts that the university faces over the coming years is not yet clear. Cardiff University is carefully evaluating the implications of this for both students and the institution before reaching conclusions. The university is committed to providing an excellent level of education and overall student experience.'
Glasgow Caledonian University said optometry provision in Scotland would not be affected by budget cuts.
