UCLan makes first move towards delivering optometry and optics programmes

18 September 2018

First key appointments made

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has appointed Rupal Lovell-Patel, formerly of Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, to lead the new Vision Science programme in its School of Medicine.

She joins the team of former Association of British Dispensing Opticians President Peter Black, and local practitioner and experienced optometry tutor Marie-Laure Orr to work on the development of a variety of new courses. This includes blended learning MSc Optometry and BSc (Hons) Ophthalmic Dispensing programmes, which, it is hoped subject to GOC approval, will commence in the near future.

Professor Cathy Jackson, Head of the UCLan School of Medicine, said: “We are delighted to welcome Rupal, Peter and Marie to UCLan and look forward to being able to offer these programs as part of our ongoing commitment to help provide the healthcare workforce ready to meet the needs of patients for generations to come.”