Cataract & Refractive Surgery - Theory - Online

This course is designed to be a complete introduction to the how, what and when of laser refractive surgery and refractive cataract surgery. You will develop the theoretical knowledge, qualities, and transferable skills necessary to effectively begin or improve your performance in both laser refractive surgery and refractive cataract surgery.

This extensive course will cover key subjects in great detail:
• Basic theory of refractive surgery from how excimer lasers work, to ablation profiles and topography and aberrometry/ wavefront science.

• Therapeutic Refractive Surgery (corneal complication management) principles and approaches.

• Modern laser procedures are dealt with in extreme surgical detail, including surface ablation (PRK, LASEK, EpiLASIK, TransPRK), LASIK, SMILE. Phakic IOLs and Sizing of ICLs including the latest techniques.

• Clear lens extraction is approached from the refractive surgery standpoint: management of astigmatism and higher order aberrations.

• After completion, further training and experience gained from shadowing individuals involved in the procedures or assisting those involved would continue to advance knowledge and understanding and develop new higher-level skills.

For further course details please see "Course Web Page".

Year one
• Introduction to Theoretical Aspects of Refractive Surgery
• Pre-operative Assessment in Cataract and Refractive Surgery
• The Theory of Laser Refractive Surgery
• Lens Refractive Surgery
• Correction of Regular and Irregular Astigmatism
• Understanding Phakic Iols
• Correction of Presbyopia and High Ametropia
• Post Operative Complications of Lens and Laser Refractive Surgery
• Business Development, Clinical Governance And Medicolegal Issues

Standard entry conditions
To apply to our postgraduate taught programmes, you must meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements and any course-specific requirements.

Entry Requirements
Applicants must (a) have gained an Honours or non-Honours degree in a cognate discipline from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which is recognised as being of an equivalent standard;

or an equivalent standard in a Postgraduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate or an approved alternative qualification;

and (b) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent) or, as an alternative to the above

(c) in exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.

Your Application
Application is through the University's online application system (see "Application Weblink").

Start Date: October 2024

Career options
The majority of students undertaking this online programme will do so for their continued professional development within their individual areas of employment for career enhancement.