The Postgraduate Certificate in Optometry Independent Prescribing (PG Cert IP) is designed for GOC-registered optometrists who wish to develop the knowledge, clinical skills and professional judgement required to practise as independent prescribers.The programme provides a coherent pathway from the foundations of safe prescribing through to applied clinical decision-making and supervised prescribing practice. Students develop their understanding of prescribing legislation, professional and ethical responsibilities, ocular pharmacology, clinical governance and patient safety, before applying this knowledge to complex clinical scenarios and real-world practice.

Delivered part-time through a blended learning approach, the programme combines online learning with interactive teaching, clinical simulation, practical learning and supervised clinical placement. Students are supported to develop confident, evidence-based and person-centred prescribing practice while working alongside experienced academic and clinical educators.

The programme comprises three Level 7 modules and 60 credits in total. Successful completion of all three modules, including the required supervised clinical placement and achievement of the GOC Independent Prescribing learning outcomes, leads to the PG Cert IP award and enables students to apply for Independent Prescriber annotation on the GOC register.

Why should I choose this course?

This programme provides a structured route for optometrists to develop their independent prescribing knowledge, clinical skills and professional judgement within a supportive postgraduate learning environment.You will:
•    develop advanced knowledge of ocular therapeutics, pharmacology and prescribing practice;
•    apply clinical reasoning to real-world prescribing decisions;
•    develop your understanding of patient safety, clinical governance and professional accountability;
•    learn through authentic clinical cases, simulation and supervised prescribing practice;
•    benefit from teaching and support from experienced academic and clinical practitioners;
•    study part-time through a blended learning model designed to fit alongside professional practice; and
•    develop the competence and confidence required for safe, evidence-based independent prescribing.
The programme is accredited by the General Optical Council and is designed to prepare optometrists for Independent Prescriber annotation.

Course Structure

The programme comprises three compulsory Level 7 modules, totalling 60 credits:

IP1: Foundations of Safe Prescribing – 30 credits
Develops the foundational knowledge required for safe, legal and ethical prescribing, including prescribing legislation, professional responsibilities, pharmacology and clinical governance.

IP2: From Theory to Practice – 15 credits
Develops the application of prescribing knowledge through clinical reasoning, case-based learning and simulation.

IP3: Prescribing in Practice – 15 credits
Provides supervised clinical experience in which students apply their prescribing knowledge and skills in practice and demonstrate achievement of the GOC Independent Prescribing learning outcomes.

The programme is delivered part-time using a blended learning approach and includes a 90-hour supervised clinical placement.

Registration and DPP Details

Before applying, prospective students will be asked to complete a short Microsoft Form providing their registration details and information about their proposed Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP). (Please see 'Downloads' section for copy of form)

This information will allow the programme team to confirm that applicants meet the requirements for entry and have an appropriate clinical placement arrangement in place.

The DPP will also need to complete a DPP Confirmation Form. (Please see 'Downloads' section for copy of form)

Assessment

Assessment is designed to enable students to demonstrate the knowledge, clinical reasoning, practical skills and professional judgement required for safe independent prescribing.

A range of authentic assessment methods is used across the programme, including written assignments, case-based assessments, simulation, reflective practice and a clinical logbook associated with supervised clinical placement.

Students must successfully complete the required 90-hour clinical placement and demonstrate achievement of all GOC Independent Prescribing learning outcomes in order to obtain the award.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the programme, you will be able to:
•    demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of independent prescribing, including pharmacology, legislation, professional standards and clinical governance;
•    apply evidence-based clinical reasoning to assess patients, identify management options and make safe, appropriate prescribing decisions;
•    demonstrate effective, person-centred clinical management and communication;
•    recognise and manage clinical risk, promoting patient safety and working within professional and legal requirements;
•    apply prescribing knowledge and skills in supervised clinical practice;
•    demonstrate reflective practice, professional accountability and a commitment to continuing development; and
•    work effectively with other healthcare professionals to support safe and effective patient care.
These learning outcomes are aligned with the requirements of the General Optical Council for Independent Prescribing.

What our students say :

“The course has given me the knowledge and confidence to approach prescribing decisions in a much more structured and clinically focused way. The combination of academic learning and clinical application has been particularly valuable.”

“I really valued being able to relate the theory directly to clinical practice. The case-based learning and support from experienced clinicians helped me develop my clinical reasoning and feel much more confident in managing patients.”

“The blended format made it possible to undertake the course alongside my professional commitments, while still having opportunities for interactive teaching, discussion and practical clinical learning.”

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This programme has the following discipline specific/optional modules

7HML2023: IP1: Foundations of Safe Prescribing

7HML2024: IP2: From Theory to Practice

7HML2025: IP3: Prescribing in Practice