Teaching and learning in Optometry
A measure of excellence
Clinically focused teaching takes place in our brand new facilities, and in one of the leading eye hospitals in the country.
The balance of academic researchers and practicing professionals on our teaching staff ensures we can provide both theoretical and practical expertise.
Teaching staff ¦ Teaching methods ¦ Example timetable ¦ Assessment
Teaching staff
The majority of your teaching is undertaken by specialist academic staff who also undertake research in wide range of areas in optometry. In addition, 50 optometrists, dispensing opticians, orthoptists and ophthalmologists from private and hospital practice teach on a part-time basis.
Teaching methods
Optometry is a practical vocational subject therefore there is a strong focus on gaining practical and clinical skills. Teaching and learning methods include:
+ / - Clinics
You will learn and practice standard clinical procedures such as eye examinations from an early stage in the first year and you start to see volunteer patients in the middle of the first year.
You will start examining unselected members of the public in the Optometric Examination Clinic towards the end of second year.
In the third year (and fourth year if you do the MOptom) you will have several clinics each week, at the university and at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, covering specialisms such as Contact Lenses, Dispensing or Paediatrics.
You will also carry out a placement at a local Boots Opticians practice, and visit the refractive surgery facilities of Optical Express.
+ / - Lectures
The majority of lectures use the latest technologies to present material in the most effective way, and many have associated eLearning modules to enhance your learning and consolidate your understanding.
+ / - Practicals
Practical work is carried out in small groups in dedicated teaching laboratories. Practicals will reinforce the understanding of topics you have covered in lectures. Topics include use of optometric instrumentation, lense measurement and frame fitting. You will also undertake sessions in prosection - examining anatomical specimens in the dissecting room.
+ / - Tutorials
Tutorials are hour-long sessions that you undertake each fortnight with your personal adviser and a small group of students. Activities include discussions, presentations, community projects and group work, which help to hone your transferable skills such as oral and written communication, time management and teamwork. In the second year, these sessions also focus on helping you to make the best choice for your pre-registration period, and being successful in your application.
+ / - Final year projects
You will undertake an experimental project. This will give you the opportunity to research one aspect of optometry and usually involves collecting and analysing data and writing a dissertation about your chosen project title.
Example timetable
You will have around 18 hours of lectures and practicals timetabled each week, plus clinics and tutorials, and are expected to spend at least an equal amount of time in private study and reading. If you are interested in seeing what a typical first year will hold in store for you, see:
Optometry typical first year timetable
Assessment
Each year’s assessments contribute to your final degree classification:
- First Year 10%
- Second Year 30%
- Third Year 60%
You will be assessed though a combination of:
- Coursework
- Practical examination
- Written examination