The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Ophthalmology (PgDO) is a specialised qualification designed for experienced healthcare professionals seeking to advance their expertise in eye care, ocular diseases, and surgical ophthalmology. This course is not intended for fresh entrants but is ideal for ophthalmologists, optometrists, medical practitioners, and allied healthcare professionals who wish to enhance their career prospects, expand their clinical knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Learners will gain comprehensive knowledge of ocular anatomy and physiology, advanced diagnostic techniques, medical and surgical management of eye disorders, and the application of evidence-based practice in clinical ophthalmology. The curriculum emphasises practical skills, critical decision-making, and integration of theoretical knowledge with real-world clinical scenarios, enabling learners to contribute effectively to multidisciplinary eye care teams.
To ensure the highest standard of training, centres delivering this qualification must employ competent and qualified staff, supported by state-of-the-art facilities, clinical laboratories, surgical theatres, and extensive learning resources. This ensures learners receive expert guidance, practical experience, and the academic support necessary to excel in this advanced programme.
Upon completion, learners will be equipped to assume leadership roles in ophthalmology services, participate in advanced clinical research, and implement best practices in eye care. This qualification represents a significant step for professionals committed to excellence, advanced clinical practice, and career progression in ophthalmology.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Ophthalmology (PgDO)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
600
Qualification #
LICQ2200979
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Gastroenterology (PgDG) , applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200979-1 |
Advanced Ocular Anatomy and Physiology |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200979-2 |
Diagnostic Techniques in Ophthalmology |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200979-3 |
Medical Management of Ocular Disorders |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200979-4 |
Surgical Ophthalmology and Advanced Procedures |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200979-5 |
Research Methods and Evidence-Based Ophthalmology |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2200979-6 |
Professional Practice, Ethics, and Continuing Development |
20 |
100 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Advanced Ocular Anatomy and Physiology
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Analyse the structure and function of the eye and the visual system.
- Evaluate ocular physiology including visual processing, ocular circulation, and sensory integration.
- Assess the pathophysiology of common ocular disorders.
- Apply knowledge of ocular anatomy and physiology to clinical assessment and decision-making.
Unit 2: Diagnostic Techniques in Ophthalmology
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate expertise in ophthalmic examination techniques, including slit-lamp, fundoscopy, and tonometry.
- Interpret imaging modalities such as OCT, fluorescein angiography, and ocular ultrasound.
- Conduct and analyse visual field assessments and electrophysiological tests.
- Integrate diagnostic findings into comprehensive patient evaluation and treatment planning.
Unit 3: Medical Management of Ocular Disorders
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Develop evidence-based management plans for glaucoma, cataracts, retinal diseases, and ocular infections.
- Apply pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions in clinical practice.
- Recognise and manage systemic diseases with ocular manifestations.
- Critically evaluate treatment outcomes and adjust patient care accordingly.
Unit 4: Surgical Ophthalmology and Advanced Procedures
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of surgical techniques including cataract, refractive, retinal, and glaucoma surgery.
- Assess patient suitability and plan surgical interventions safely.
- Apply risk management and safety protocols in ophthalmic surgery.
- Integrate surgical procedures into multidisciplinary ophthalmology practice.
Unit 5: Research Methods and Evidence-Based Ophthalmology
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Design and conduct research projects in ophthalmology using advanced methodologies.
- Critically appraise clinical literature and apply evidence-based findings to patient care.
- Utilise statistical tools to analyse research outcomes.
- Apply ethical principles and professional standards in ophthalmic research.
Unit 6: Professional Practice, Ethics, and Continuing Development
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate professional responsibilities and uphold clinical governance in ophthalmology.
- Apply ethical and legal frameworks to clinical and research practice.
- Lead and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary eye care teams.
- Develop strategies for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and reflective practice.
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Ophthalmology (PgDO) is designed for experienced healthcare professionals seeking advanced expertise in ophthalmology. This course is ideal for:
- Ophthalmologists and eye surgeons aiming to enhance clinical knowledge and surgical skills.
- Optometrists and allied eye care professionals seeking advanced understanding of ocular diseases and patient management.
- Medical practitioners specialising in ophthalmology or related fields who wish to expand their expertise.
- Healthcare professionals involved in diagnostic procedures, ophthalmic imaging, and clinical research.
- Clinical researchers and academics focused on ophthalmology and evidence-based eye care.
- Practitioners committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and advanced clinical competencies.
- Healthcare leaders and professionals aspiring to take on advanced roles in ophthalmology services and multidisciplinary eye care teams.
This course is specifically tailored for learners who are already established in their careers and wish to enhance professional credibility, leadership skills, and advanced clinical competencies in ophthalmology.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Ophthalmology must meet rigorous standards to ensure high-quality education and learner success. Key requirements include:
- Qualified and Experienced Staff: All teaching and assessment personnel must be highly qualified in ophthalmology, optometry, or related healthcare disciplines, with extensive clinical and academic experience.
- Modern Facilities: Centres must provide access to clinical environments, ophthalmic examination suites, surgical theatres, laboratories, and practical training areas essential for advanced ophthalmology study.
- Comprehensive Learning Resources: Learners should have access to textbooks, academic journals, case studies, online learning platforms, and digital resources supporting in-depth learning and research.
- Practical Training Opportunities: Centres must facilitate hands-on exercises, clinical simulations, surgical practice, and case-based learning relevant to ophthalmology and eye care.
- Robust Assessment and Evaluation: Centres must implement rigorous assessment strategies, including written assignments, research projects, and practical evaluations, to ensure learners achieve all learning outcomes.
- Ethical and Legal Compliance: Centres must adhere to professional, legal, and ethical standards in ophthalmology education and clinical practice.
- Support for Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Centres should provide guidance for ongoing CPD, reflective practice, and professional development, enabling learners to apply advanced knowledge in clinical settings.
Meeting these requirements ensures learners receive world-class instruction, practical experience, and academic support, preparing them for leadership and advanced practice in ophthalmology.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.
