Optometry with Independent Prescribing

If you’re looking for a career where science meets people-centred care, optometry could be for you.

Optometrists diagnose and manage a wide range of eye conditions, from everyday vision problems like short sightedness (myopia) to more complex issues like cataracts, glaucoma, and inflammatory eye diseases. They also prescribe glasses, contact lenses, and other visual aids.

Glasgow Caledonian University is a key provider of Vision Science courses. Our MOptom (IP) degree was the first of its kind in the UK to be approved by the General Optical Council (GOC). We’re also ranked 4th overall in the UK for Optometry, Ophthalmics, and Orthoptics (Complete University Guide 2025).

As one of only two courses in the UK to provide training in independent prescribing as part of an undergraduate Optometry programme, this course gives you the chance to gain professional experience that will help launch your career in vision science.

We’re the only UK institution where you can train as an Optometrist, Dispensing Optician, or Orthoptist.  This gives you the opportunity to learn within a multi-disciplinary environment and develop teamwork skills.

This course combines academic study with hands-on clinical experience from day one. You’ll build a strong foundation in vision science and clinical care, exploring topics like anatomy, physiology, and optics. You’ll also develop your critical thinking skills and make confident decisions in practice.

You’ll work with patients in our on-campus Vision Centre – Scotland’s only university primary eye care clinic. In Year 5, you’ll take part in extended, paid clinical placements across Scotland. Developed in partnership with NHS Education for Scotland, these placements will help you gain practical skills and the chance to build professional networks.

Why choose this course?

• This degree was the first of its kind to be approved by the General Optical Council (GOC) in the UK.

• We’re ranked 4th overall in the UK for Optometry, Ophthalmics and Orthoptics (Complete University Guide 2025).

• Begin practical and clinical optometry training from Year 1. You’ll also gain real-world experience delivering eye care in GCU’s on-campus Vision Centre, supervised by experienced optometrists.

• Complete extended, paid clinical placements across Scotland in your final year, supported by NHS and government partnerships.

• Learn from active researchers in GCU's Department of Vision Sciences, where teaching is shaped by current clinical and scientific developments.

Careers

On successful completion of this course, you’ll be eligible to register with the General Optical Council (GOC) as an Optometrist. You’ll also be eligible to join the GOC’s specialty register of independent prescribing optometrists, enabling you to prescribe medicines to manage and treat eye conditions.

Employment prospects for Optometry graduates are excellent and varied. Graduates have gone on to work as Optometrists in high-street practices, hospital eye departments, or specialist clinics.

Others have pursued careers in domiciliary eye care, teaching, research, or within the optical industry as clinical advisors or product specialists.

With an ageing population and growing demand for accessible eye care, Optometrists are needed more than ever. Independent prescribing skills enable you to take on advanced clinical roles and contribute to evolving models of care.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• General Optical Council