MOptom (IP) Optometry with Independent Prescribing at Glasgow Caledonian University

The MOptom (IP) was the first degree of its kind in the UK approved by the General Optical Council and is one of only two UK courses providing independent prescribing training within an undergraduate optometry programme. Students gain clinical experience from day one, including work with patients in GCU's on-campus Vision Centre, and complete extended paid clinical placements across Scotland in Year 5, developed with NHS Education for Scotland. GCU is the only UK institution where students can train as an optometrist, dispensing optician or orthoptist.

Department: Department of Vision Sciences  |  Duration: 5 years full time  |  Intake: September 2027  |  Study mode: full-time integrated  |  Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 modules include Biology of the Human Eye and Supporting Structures, Foundations of Optics, Principles of Spectacle Dispensing, Visual Optics, Refraction and Binocular Vision, Clinical and Professional Studies 1 and Neural Anatomy and Physiology.

Career pathways

Graduates are eligible to register with the GOC as optometrists and join its specialty register of independent prescribing optometrists. They work in high-street practices, hospital eye departments and specialist clinics, domiciliary eye care, teaching, research, or the optical industry as clinical advisors or product specialists.

Official programme page