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Cardiff University: Independent Prescribing for Optometrists
| Institution | Cardiff University View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | School of Optometry and Vision Sciences |
| Web | www.cardiff.ac.uk |
| Study type | Taught |
Postgraduate Certificate - PgCert
Summary
Our innovative, clinically-focused 2-year programme prepares optometrists to practice as independent prescribers and to meet the standards set by the General Optical Council for specialist entry on to the GOC register.
The specific aim of the programme is to prepare you to practise as an independent prescriber and to meet the standards set by the General Optical Council (GOC) for entry on to the appropriate specialist register. As a qualified prescriber, you can prescribe licensed medicine (except for controlled drugs or medicines for parenteral (injected) administration) for conditions affecting the eye.
You will receive a broad education in prescribing practice that will develop your skills and strengthen your professional portfolio, enabling you to provide services to patients that would have previously only been available via hospital treatment. This advancement helps to reduce NHS waiting lists, provide timely clinical management to your patients and build your patient base.
The GOC’s standards and learning outcomes published in 2021 have incorporated significant changes in training requirements for optometrists to qualify in Independent Prescribing (IP). This programme provides the opportunity to study 2 theory modules in Year 1, followed by the Placement in Year 2, to enable you to join the GOC’s specialist register for Independent Prescribers.
You will be responsible for sourcing your clinical placement including your Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) prior to admission. The DPP can be any IP eye care professional. You may already be working in an environment where the placement can be completed. Alternatively, you may need to arrange to attend clinics away from your usual place of work.
The School also offers a 1 year programme in IP to complete your period of study in just 9 months, providing flexibility to fit around your personal and professional commitments.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | For entry requirements please see our website: |
| Location | Heath Park Campus Heath Park Cardiff CF14 4XN |
Summary
Our innovative, clinically-focused 2-year programme prepares optometrists to practice as independent prescribers and to meet the standards set by the General Optical Council for specialist entry on to the GOC register.
The specific aim of the programme is to prepare you to practise as an independent prescriber and to meet the standards set by the General Optical Council (GOC) for entry on to the appropriate specialist register. As a qualified prescriber, you can prescribe licensed medicine (except for controlled drugs or medicines for parenteral (injected) administration) for conditions affecting the eye.
You will receive a broad education in prescribing practice that will develop your skills and strengthen your professional portfolio, enabling you to provide services to patients that would have previously only been available via hospital treatment. This advancement helps to reduce NHS waiting lists, provide timely clinical management to your patients and build your patient base.
The GOC’s standards and learning outcomes published in 2021 have incorporated significant changes in training requirements for optometrists to qualify in Independent Prescribing (IP). This programme provides the opportunity to study 2 theory modules in Year 1, followed by the Placement in Year 2, to enable you to join the GOC’s specialist register for Independent Prescribers.
You will be responsible for sourcing your clinical placement including your Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) prior to admission. The DPP can be any IP eye care professional. You may already be working in an environment where the placement can be completed. Alternatively, you may need to arrange to attend clinics away from your usual place of work.
The School also offers a 1 year programme in IP to complete your period of study in just 9 months, providing flexibility to fit around your personal and professional commitments.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | For entry requirements please see our website: |
| Location | Heath Park Campus Heath Park Cardiff CF14 4XN |
Summary
Our innovative, clinically focussed programme prepares optometrists to practise as independent prescribers and to meet the standards set by the General Optical Council for specialist entry on to the GOC register.
The specific aim of the programme is to prepare you to practise as an independent prescriber and to meet the standards set by the General Optical Council (GOC) for entry on to the appropriate specialist register. As a qualified prescriber, you can prescribe licensed medicine (except for controlled drugs or medicines for parenteral (injected) administration) for conditions affecting the eye.
You will receive a broad education in prescribing practice that will develop your skills and strengthen your professional portfolio, enabling you to provide services to patients that would have previously only been available via hospital treatment. This advancement helps to reduce NHS waiting lists, provide timely clinical management to your patients and build your patient base.
The GOC’s standards and learning outcomes published in 2021 have incorporated significant changes in training requirements for optometrists to qualify in Independent Prescribing (IP). This programme provides the opportunity to study 2 theory modules alongside a placement, completing the course in just 9 months, to enable you to join the GOC’s specialist register for Independent Prescribers.
You will be responsible for sourcing your clinical placement including your Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) prior to admission. The DPP can be any IP eye care professional. You may already be working in an environment where the placement can be completed. Alternatively, you may need to arrange to attend clinics away from your usual place of work.
The School also offers a 2 year programme in IP to extend your period of study, providing greater flexibility to fit around your personal and professional commitments.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | For entry requirements please see our website https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/course/independent-prescribing-for-optometrists-pgcert |
| Location | Heath Park Campus Heath Park Cardiff CF14 4XN |
Summary
Our innovative, clinically focussed programme prepares optometrists to practise as independent prescribers and to meet the standards set by the General Optical Council for specialist entry on to the GOC register.
The specific aim of the programme is to prepare you to practise as an independent prescriber and to meet the standards set by the General Optical Council (GOC) for entry on to the appropriate specialist register. As a qualified prescriber, you can prescribe licensed medicine (except for controlled drugs or medicines for parenteral (injected) administration) for conditions affecting the eye.
You will receive a broad education in prescribing practice that will develop your skills and strengthen your professional portfolio, enabling you to provide services to patients that would have previously only been available via hospital treatment. This advancement helps to reduce NHS waiting lists, provide timely clinical management to your patients and build your patient base.
The GOC’s standards and learning outcomes published in 2021 have incorporated significant changes in training requirements for optometrists to qualify in Independent Prescribing (IP). This programme provides the opportunity to study 2 theory modules alongside a placement, completing the course in just 9 months, to enable you to join the GOC’s specialist register for Independent Prescribers.
You will be responsible for sourcing your clinical placement including your Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) prior to admission. The DPP can be any IP eye care professional. You may already be working in an environment where the placement can be completed. Alternatively, you may need to arrange to attend clinics away from your usual place of work.
The School also offers a 2 year programme in IP to extend your period of study, providing greater flexibility to fit around your personal and professional commitments.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | For entry requirements please see our website https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/course/independent-prescribing-for-optometrists-pgcert |
| Location | Heath Park Campus Heath Park Cardiff CF14 4XN |
Founded in 1883, Cardiff University combines a prestigious heritage with impressive modern facilities, on one of the most beautiful campuses in the UK. As part of the Russell Group, our students benefit from our outstanding research quality and reputation, while enjoying a wide variety of courses that can be tailored to any aspirations.
Academic excellence and global reputation
Ranked 22nd in the UK (The Complete University Guide 2026) and 181st in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026), Cardiff University is recognised for its outstanding teaching and research. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), …
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