Optometry with Independent Prescribing

Optometrists detect sight problems and prescribe and dispense spectacles, contact lenses and other aids to vision. They also play a key role in diagnosing and managing a wide range of eye conditions, including infective and inflammatory disorders, cataracts, and glaucoma.

GCU’s integrated master’s course in Optometry provides comprehensive training in the theory and practice of optometry to enable graduates to deliver a range of core and enhanced eyecare services to communities across Scotland and beyond. The course is unique and designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to undertake advanced clinical practice upon graduation. Beyond registration with the General Optical Council (GOC) as an Optometrist, graduates will be eligible to join the GOC’s specialty register of independent prescribing optometrists.

From the outset of the course, students receive training in fundamental vision science as well as clinical care, to facilitate the development of skills in critical thinking and clinical decision-making. Students develop their clinical skills from Year 1 in our purpose-built pre-clinical facilities and the on-campus Vision Centre, which provides a wide range of core and specialist clinical services to the public. Students also gain extensive clinical experience through external placements.

GCU has been Scotland’s main provider of education in the non-medical eyecare professions for more than 50 years. The programmes offered in the Department of Vision Sciences are highly rated by students and our teaching is informed by research. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework exercise (REF2021), 91% of GCU’s health research was rated as world leading or internationally excellent and its impact was ranked second in the UK.

Employment prospects for optometry graduates are excellent and varied, and include roles in community and hospital practice, industry, teaching, and research.

Please note that this course is subject to GCU and regulator approval.