PgD Independent Prescribing for Optometrists at Glasgow Caledonian University

Programme overview

The PgD in Independent Prescribing for Optometrists lets General Optical Council registered optometrists gain prescribing rights and join the GOC Independent Prescribing register. It is mainly online with two optional on-campus days, and GCU is currently the sole provider of postgraduate independent prescribing training in Scotland.

Duration: 18 months part time | Intake: January 2027 | Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Three 30-credit modules at SCQF Level 11: Independent Prescribing: Management of Ocular Disease, Independent Prescribing: Prescribing Safely and Effectively and Independent Prescribing: Placement. The placement includes at least 90 hours of supervised clinical experience under a Designated Prescribing Practitioner.

Career pathways

Qualified optometrists gain an expanded scope of practice, stronger career progression and the ability to deliver higher-quality patient care.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Current and active GOC registration as an optometrist, and existing PVG scheme approval (or equivalent such as DBS) covering work with children and protected adults. English language: IELTS 7.0 with no element below 6.5 (or equivalent). GOC-registered optometrists receive 30 credits of Recognition of Prior Learning and may claim at most 30 further credits.

Intake: January 2027

Duration: 18 months part time

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