Course description

Our MSc course in Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences brings together the research expertise in vision from the Institute of Human Development, the Faculty of Life Sciences and Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.

This course will provide you with a firm grounding in the knowledge needed to pursue a higher degree and to conduct high quality research in ophthalmology, optometry or vision sciences. It also gives an opportunity for vision-related professionals to advance their knowledge of the scientific foundations of ophthalmology and vision sciences.

The course is aimed at optometrists, ophthalmologists, orthoptists and nurses from the UK and overseas. It is suitable for:

• individuals who are considering undertaking a research degree in the vision sciences;
• those interested in professional development;
• those interested in conducting research as part of their clinical training;
• ophthalmologists wishing to expand and extend their training into specialist areas;
• optometrists considering a career in the hospital eye service.

An example of the course structure is provided in the course syllabus and timetable:

• Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences (MSc): Syllabus (Word, 102 KB)

The course directors are Prof Tariq Aslam and Dr Chantal Hillarby.

Teaching and learning

The course has two different pathways:

1. Six taught units (15 credits each) and a project dissertation (90) credits.
2. Four taught units (15 credits each), a literature review (30 credits) and a dissertation (90 credits).

The six units are Research Methods, Cornea, Contact Lens, Vascular Disease, Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma.

In each of the units, learning will be based on a series of formal lectures on topics relating to ocular disease and treatments, and a series of more informal tutorials on current research. Handouts or PDF files of the presentations will be provided to the students, as well as direction to relevant literature for personal study.

Many projects have led to peer-reviewed publications in the ophthalmic literature. Recent titles include the following.

• Optical coherence tomography measures of the retinal nerve fibre layer
• Development of a model cell assay to investigate the cellular processing of ARB mutant bestrophin-1
• Risk factors for late presentation of patients with primary open angle glaucoma
• Molecular analysis of autosomal recessive retinal dystrophies
• In vivo analysis of the wettability of silicon hydrogel contact lenses
• Can corneal densitometry be used to assess the treatment outcome after corneal transplantation
• A contact lens based technique delivering cultured stem cells onto the human corneal surface
• The use of corneal imaging to assessing treatment outcomes of LASIK and LASEK
• Addressing the physiological cues needed for trans-differentiation of dental pulp stem cells into limbal stem cells.

Coursework and assessment

Assessment is via:

• written examinations in January and May;
• coursework set during the taught units;
• a research project dissertation.

Course unit details

The course has two different pathways:

1. Six taught units (15 credits each) and a dissertation (90) credits.
2. Four taught units (15 credits each), a literature review (30 credits) and a dissertation (90) credits.

Many projects have led to peer-reviewed publications in the ophthalmic literature. Recent titles include the following.

• Optical coherence tomography measures of the retinal nerve fibre layer
• Development of a model cell assay to investigate the cellular processing of ARB mutant bestrophin-1
• Risk factors for late presentation of patients with primary open angle glaucoma
• Molecular analysis of autosomal recessive retinal dystrophies 
• In vivo analysis of the wettability of silicon hydrogel contact lenses

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study. (All modules are mandatory).

• Cornea: Clinical Practice and Current Research, 15 credits
• Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Vascular Disease module, 15 credits
• Research Methods, 15 credits
• Macular Degeneration; Research, Investigations and Clinical Practice, 15 credits
• Contact Lenses, 15 credits
• Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Glaucoma module, 15 credits

CPD opportunities

The Glaucoma unit is approved to be taken for continuing professional development (CPD) purposes.