This module is run in partnership with Bristol Eye Hospital, part of University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust.

Fundamentals of Ophthalmic Nursing module introduces learners to the core principles, clinical skills, and knowledge required to deliver safe, evidence‑based care to patients with eye conditions. The module explores ocular anatomy, common ophthalmic disorders, assessment techniques, and the nurse’s role in supporting diagnosis, treatment, and patient education.

This module aims to develop registered nurses’ knowledge and understanding of ophthalmic nursing across a range of care settings.

It will focus on the delivery of safe, effective, and patient-centred ophthalmic care, underpinned by foundational knowledge of ocular anatomy and physiology, with an introduction to ocular pathology and pharmacology.

Content

• Anatomy and Physiology of the eye
• Visual Pathway
• Speciality conditions and their management
• Ophthalmic Surgery
• Speciality Surgeries and their management
• Ocular Pharmacology
• Ophthalmic Emergencies
• Health Promotion and patient education
• Patient centred care
• Role of the Ophthalmic Nurse
• Multidisciplinary team working

Learning and Teaching

A variety of approaches will be used which may include E-learning, lectures, practical sessions, seminars, experts from practice, analysis of case studies, problem-based learning, patient scenarios and self- directed study.

On successful completion of this module students will achieve the following learning outcomes:

• Critically appraise and autonomously manage common and complex eye conditions, synthesising advanced ophthalmic investigations and clinical reasoning to deliver evidence-based, patient-centred care across diverse and unpredictable clinical settings.
• Critically evaluate and appraise current clinical guidelines and public health initiatives to ensure safe patient care and strategically contribute to local service enhancements.
• Critically evaluate contemporary leadership and supervision models across multidisciplinary teams while advocating for patient safety and supporting the specific needs of patients with visual impairments.

Study time 

Contact hours:

Independent study/self-guided study = 152 hours

Staff-guided learning = 48 hours

Assessment
An online examination consisting of MCQ and scenario based open questions which will address the theoretical aspect of the module. The questions will also include images and diagrams representing the module content.