Clinical Ophthalmology (Online Learning) ChM (Clinical Ophthalmology)

The University of Edinburgh is currently ranked 15th in the World in the QS World University Rankings 2023.

The ChM is designed to support advanced ophthalmology specialist trainees in the UK and registrars/residents in ophthalmology, internationally.

This is achieved through a curriculum which recognises your subspecialist ophthalmic interests in preparation for exit examination and hospital-based practice.

Our programme is aligned with the curricula of the membership and fellowship examinations of the:

• Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd)
• International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO)
• Royal College of Ophthalmologists

This makes this degree very attractive if you are a domestic or international student preparing for these examinations. It also applies if you are approaching consultancy and specialist practice.

On completion of this programme you will be able to:

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of your chosen surgical subspecialty
• be able to apply this knowledge to the systematic assessment and management of medical and surgical patients in the elective, urgent and emergency clinical setting
• recognise the leadership contribution and responsibilities of the ophthalmologist in the multidisciplinary management of complex medical and surgical disease
• critically reflect upon day-to-day medical and surgical practice in the context of recent advances
• engage in critical dialogue with peers and experts in other specialties
• apply the general principles of clinical study design, ethics, and statistics to critically evaluate the scientific literature in medical and surgical research
• make informed judgements on new and emerging issues in medicine and surgery
• exercise a high level of autonomy and initiative in professional activities at a level of independent medical and surgical practice

The programme will offer an alternative to clinical/laboratory research training if you do not wish to take time out of training.

It will develop your academic portfolio and facilitate medical/surgical research projects essential to a research active career.

The ChM programme is designed to align with the membership and fellowship examination curricula of the RCSEd and RCOphth and prepare you for your exit professional examinations.

The award of ChM will highlight your commitment to continuing professional development and will ensure a competitive edge when applying for consultant positions.

Time commitment

The programme runs on a semester basis over two years - from September until June each year. You will follow a weekly timetable.

We recommend that you are able to commit a minimum of 15-20 hours to your studies each week. The learning content is delivered each week in a flexible, modular manner.

How will I learn?

The programme is delivered using a purpose-built learning environment that supports a variety of learning styles and allows students flexibility in their study patterns.

Courses

This degree is aligned with the curricula of the:

• Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd)
• Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth)

Core, compulsory courses in each area of clinical ophthalmology support learning for their membership and fellowship examinations. These are taught and assessed using a clinical problem-based approach, supported by a systems-based review of the course material.

Academic courses (core and specialist) allow you to explore research and teaching methodology. These will also develop skills to ensure an ability to analyse published evidence and explore interactive and written clinical communication skills.

How will I be assessed?

Knowledge and understanding will be assessed with a formal multiple-choice question (MCQ) exam designed to mirror the trainees' upcoming exit exams. You will also participate in academic discussion boards, leading and facilitating debate, and complete a reflective ePortfolio.

You are required to complete a Master's research project in Year 2 in an appropriate ophthalmology sub-speciality of your choosing.

Year 1

• Ophthalmology 1
• Core Ophthalmology
• Applied Basic Sciences, Examination and Surgical Strategies
• Clinical Decision Making, Therapeutics, Avoiding and Managing Complications
• Diagnostics and Technologies in Clinical Practice
• Acute Ophthalmology, Trauma and Advanced Surgical Techniques

Year 2

• Ophthalmology 2
• Core Academic Activity (Reflective ePortfolio)
• Examination (MCQ)
• Specialist Academic Activity (Research Project)

Academic courses in Year 2 will explore research and teaching methodology, whilst enabling you to develop the ability to analyse published evidence and enhance your interactive and written clinical communication skills.

You will also have the opportunity to complete a written reflective ePortfolio and an academic research project, for example, original research or a systematic review in a relevant sub-speciality.

Peer-reviewed journal

Following completion of the programme, students are encouraged to seek publication of their study in a peer-reviewed journal.