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Home > School of Community and Health Sciences > Optometry and Visual Science > About Us

About Us

The Department of Optometry and Visual Science was one of the first institutions in the world to train Optometrists. The first full-time course in ophthalmic optics began at the antecedent institution to City University in 1927.

The Department has acquired an international reputation for high quality undergraduate and postgraduate optometric education and research.

The faculty currently consists of 22 full time member of academic staff and 9 visiting professors. Dr Chris Hull is currently the Head of Department and Professor John Barbur is the Director of Research.

Our BSc Optometry programme recruits approximately 115 students each year and our Foundation Degree attracts approximately 40 students. More than 200 optometrists are currently registered on our innovative postgraduate programme.

Mission Statement

• The Department, through its research, aims to increase knowledge of the visual system in relation to both (i) human disease, with a view to alleviating pain and suffering and improving the quality of life, and (ii) fundamental visual mechanisms.
• All members of staff are expected to participate in research both through their own work and by the supervision of postgraduate students. The Department furthermore aims to provide the training and education needed to pursue successful and independent research careers.  All research is performed under the auspices of the Applied Vision Research Centre. The research is monitored by the Departmental and University Research & Ethical Committees, and conforms to the ARVO guidelines on research and to the declaration of Helsinki. 
• The Department aims to provide undergraduate and postgraduate education and clinical/professional training which meet the requirements of the College of Optometrists and the General Optical Council. Graduates of the undergraduate course will be able to demonstrate practical skills in performing efficiently a complete eye examination routine, with expertise in the use of a wide range of diagnostic equipment. They will be thinking practitioners with the ability to interpret logically the results of clinical tests, leading to the formation of a patient management plan. In addition, graduates will possess the theoretical and clinical knowledge required to meet the future expansion of optometry into shared care/co-management schemes.
• The Department is committed to providing opportunities for lifelong learning, continuing professional development and advanced study. Our postgraduate Certificate and Masters programmes aim to produce practitioners who can demonstrate the possession of new and up-dated scientific knowledge in the relevant optometric field. They will have acquired knowledge and experience of new diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and equipment.

Updated: October 2008

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