Advanced Practice of Clinical EyecareDioplóma Iarchéime in Ardchleachtas an Chúraim Súl Cliniciúil

The Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Eyecare is designed for optometrists and eye care professionals seeking to lead in modern, evidence-based practice. This programme integrates the latest in diagnostics, therapeutics, and interdisciplinary care with the aim of fostering future-ready, life-long learners that will take on advanced practice and leadership roles within eyecare provision. Students will be empowered to work to the top of their licence and be ready to work in interdisciplinary teams managing complex ocular disease.

The programme will provide comprehensive and integrated training in advanced eye care practice. It is targeted at graduates currently employed in the delivery of eyecare services who wish to advance their skill levels and potentially enhance their employment opportunities. This cohort of skilled graduates will contribute to the continued development of the provision eyecare services either within HSE-delivered or community practices in line with the objectives of the governments Slaintecare plan to transform Ireland’s health and social care services. The qualification will also support graduates in pursuing new higher/senior grades in the HSE and other organisations in the future.

The students will develop their clinical decision-making and patient management skills in key areas of eyecare delivery, particularly medical retina, glaucoma, cataract and emergency care. They will also be enabled to potentially expand their scope of clinical practice into new emerging models of eyecare delivery.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Advanced Practice of Clinical Eyecare is at Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), and as such, applicants are expected to have an appropriate qualification at Level 8 such as the Diploma in Ophthalmic Optics or BSc in Optometry. 

In addition, to register for this program, a student must satisfy the following entry requirements:

• Hold active/practicing registration status as an Optometrist with either; The Optical Registration Board at CORU, or, The General Optical Council (United Kingdom), or, The Competent Authority in other EU Member States.  OR
• Hold active/practicing registration status as an Orthoptist with the Health and Care Professions Council (United Kingdom), or, The Competent Authority in other EU Member States.  OR
• Hold active/practicing registration status as a Nurse with either; The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, or, The Nursing and Midwifery Council (United Kingdom), or, The Competent Authority in other EU Member States.  OR
• Hold active/practicing registration status as a medical doctor with the Irish Medical Council, or, The General Medical Council (United Kingdom), or, The Competent Authority in other EU Member States.  

Additionally, it is an entry requirement that students make a self-declaration confirming their habitual employment involves the provision of eyecare and the assessment and management of ocular pathology.  

• Per week: 1 hour synchronous online lecture + 1 hour asynchronous online lecture (x 12 weeks)
• 2 contact days per semester for clinical skills development and in-person assessment/examination

Applications for this course are now open.

• January 2026 Intake: Apply Now – EU Applicants (Spring 2026)

For further information on the application process, please visit How To Apply.

Non-EU Students

Non-EU students, not resident in Ireland, are not eligible to apply for part time programs that are delivered on-campus. Applications for part time courses that require on-campus attendance will not be processed and the application fee will not be refunded.