The next generation of eye care professionals will begin their education at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) this September, after its new Optometry course received Stage Three approval from the General Optical Council (GOC).

Strong demand has already seen all places for the first intake of the four-year Master of Optometry (MOptom) now filled.

The GOC Stage Three approval follows a detailed assessment of the programme against the GOC’s requirements for Approved Qualifications in Optometry and Dispensing Optics and marks an important milestone for DMU as it expands its healthcare education provision.

Dr Kim Stuart, Head of School Allied Health Sciences at DMU, said: “Welcoming the first cohort to our new MSc Optometry programme is an exciting milestone for the School of Allied Health Sciences.

“This programme reflects the strength of collaboration across the school, working in partnership to create a high-quality learning experience for our students.

“As DMU continues to build its reputation for developing the health and care workforce of the future, we are proud to equip our students with the skills, knowledge and confidence to make a meaningful impact on direct care and the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve." 

Developed with practising optometrists and industry professionals, the course will combine academic study with clinical experience, preparing students for a profession that plays an increasingly important role in primary and community eye care.

The programme also reflects DMU’s wider commitment to improving health and tackling inequalities, with a focus on the role optometry can play in improving access to eye care in communities across Leicester.

Students will be part of DMU’s established Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, joining the School of Allied Health Sciences, learning alongside the wider community of future healthcare professionals including allied health professionals, audiologists, nurses, pharmacists, and biomedical scientists.

The programme will offer students an enhanced clinical experience, with placements embedded within each of the first three years of study. Students will gain valuable experience across a variety of settings, including retail and specialist clinical environments, working with patients across the lifespan.

This varied exposure will enable students to apply their learning in practice, develop confidence and build the clinical and professional skills needed for their future careers as optometrists.

In their final year, students will undertake a 44-week paid Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP) placement, delivered through the College of Optometrists (COO) giving them a full year of industry experience before graduation and preparing them for a range of optometry settings.

The course has been designed by DMU’s Associate Dean (Education) Dr Nikki Brooks and the programme team, with expertise from specialists across Optometry practice.   

Dr Brooks said: “Just over a year ago, the idea of developing a brand-new Master of Optometry at DMU felt incredibly ambitious.

“Twelve months later, we have successfully validated the programme, created new clinical placement opportunities, established a specialist Optometry teaching facility and team, and secured Stage Three accreditation from the General Optical Council.

“It has taken an enormous amount of hard work, collaboration and determination to get to this point, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together. The most exciting part now is seeing that vision become a reality as we welcome our very first Optometry students to DMU.”

Posted on Tuesday 8 September 2026