The new optometry teaching facilities at Portsmouth University are nearing completion and the GOC is soon to visit as part of the final approval process. As Andrew Matheson, optometric adviser for the new course told Optician: ‘The suite of 13 full-size examination bays and teaching areas is now built and decorated ready for the equipment. The computer systems are installed along with all the necessary furniture.’ Instrumentation and equipment is currently being installed in anticipation of the visit by the professional body. Each bay has slit-lamp imaging equipment that may be linked to the teaching areas.
The department aims to start teaching in September this year and students should be able to apply for places once the approval has been granted. ‘We hope to take on around 20 students initially,’ Matheson said, ‘with a view for this to rise to around 28.’ Entrance requirements are likely to be lower than the three ‘A’ grades required by some institutions, with ‘more emphasis being placed on selecting the right students. All applicants will be interviewed prior to offers being made.’
Matheson was keen to point out that the course was very much aimed at teaching practical and clinical ability and would move away from the more traditional lecture-based approach. Interviews will ensure the course will offer places to those students with good all-round skills rather than merely based on written examination gradings.
‘The department now has five lecturers working on the course,’ Matheson added. ‘Interviews for two further lecturer posts will be held later in 2016.’ Optician will be following the progress of the new department as the year continues.