Doctor Optometry Doctor Ophthalmic Science Professional Doctorate

For Doctor Optometry Doctor Ophthalmic Science Professional Doctorate, applications for the Nov 2027 intake are open until Aug 31, 2027, and tuition fees are 16,590 GBP per year.

Advance your clinical practice with the Doctor of Optometry / Doctor of Ophthalmic Science (DOptom/DOphSc), a flexible, distance-learning professional doctorate designed specifically for busy eye care professionals. Because this programme allows you to remain in full-time employment, you can immediately integrate evidence-based research and advanced clinical techniques directly into your daily work environment.

A Flexible Pathway to Expertise

The curriculum is structured around a flexible credit accumulation framework, allowing you to tailor your learning pathway through a diverse selection of modules. Whether you are a practicing optometrist focusing on therapeutics, prescribing, and ocular disease, or an ophthalmic professional (such as an orthoptist) exploring scientific research, you can build your qualification progressively. You will benefit from:

• Specialised Modules: Deep-dive into areas like Medical Retina, Glaucoma, Myopia, and Paediatric Eyecare.
• Industry-Relevant Research: Conduct a substantial, practice-based thesis supervised by Aston’s research-active academics, often utilising resources and patient data from your own clinical setting.
• Professional Growth: Develop critical appraisal skills and a growth mindset, ensuring you stay at the forefront of innovations in ophthalmology.

This path is ideal for those who are ambitious to lead within their field, providing a rigorous academic challenge that respects the realities of clinical life.

Aston University in Birmingham is a career-focused public research university with a central campus and a long tradition of linking education to industry. Founded from technical roots in 1895, Aston combines academic study with practical experience and is known for strong employability outcomes. The urban campus places students close to business, cultural and transport hubs, and a multicultural student community contributes to a friendly, supportive atmosphere.

Aston emphasises applied learning, professional placements and partnerships with employers, so many programmes integrate a placement year or live industry projects. Facilities include modern lecture spaces, specialised labs and student services that support academic success and wellbeing. Small-group teaching and strong student support ensure international students have access to language help, academic workshops and career guidance tailored to the UK labour market.

Student life blends campus convenience with Birmingham’s vibrant cultural scene, offering clubs, societies and volunteer opportunities to build networks and practical skills. The university’s careers team helps with CVs, internships and graduate recruitment, while accommodation and welfare services ease the transition to study in the UK. Applicants should explore course accreditation, placement options and scholarship possibilities early, and connect with Aston’s international advisers to plan applications and arrival logistics.