Preston’s university has seen an opportunity to start a new course.

A masters qualification in Optometry has been launched by the University of Central Lancashire.

Approved by the General Optical Council the course has been started by UCLan they say in response to the number of people being affected by sight loss doubling in the UK by 2050 to more than four million people.

The course is to be run by the UCLan School of Medicine.

Head of the School of Medicine, Professor Cathy Jackson, said: “Across the UK, a localised shortage of optometrists in areas away from cities has been a problem for many years.

“Our unique programme, designed with the blended learning approach, will help solve this problem by targeting those already working within the industry.

“The course is also aligned with the University’s strategy of engaging with local and national employers to address skills gaps in hard to recruit areas, following the blueprint set by our established medical and dental provision.”

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UCLan say the course is a fast-track programme and the first cohort of students is expected to start in September this year.

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