Certification for use of ocular diagnostic drugs 2
The course gives the student the competence to apply for the authorization to use diagnostic drugs in Norway based on Norwegian regulations (The Norwegian Medicines Agency). The course contains: general pharmacology, ocular pharmacology, clinical diagnostic methods, first aid related to the use of diagnostic drugs and ocular pathology.
Study facts
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Campus: Kongsberg -
Study level: Further education -
Progression of study: Part time -
Start up: Spring 2026 -
Teaching model: Session-based -
Credits: 15 -
Charge: 30.000,- There will be an additional semester fee. -
Closing dates: Rolling admissions -
Semesters: 1 -
Teaching Language: Norwegian, English
This is clinical optometry 2 - Diagnostic drugs, examination methods and ocular pathology
Purpose of the Course:
The aim of this course is to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to safely and effectively practice with diagnostic drugs for the benefit of the patient. Additionally, the course emphasizes the importance of professional judgment and the safe use of ocular diagnostic drugs.
Upon completion and passing of the course, you can apply for prescribing rights for diagnostic drugs based on the Regulation on Prescribing and Dispensing of Medicinal Products from Pharmacies and guidelines from the Norwegian Medicines Agency.
Target group for clinical optometry 2
This course is intended for optometrists with at least a three-year university-level education in optometry or those who have passed the Accreditation Course - Use of Diagnostic Drugs Part 1 (GKD1).
Why take clinical optometry 2?
Prescribing rights for diagnostic drugs enable you to independently use ocular diagnostic drugs in your practice. This prescribing right is also one of the requirements for admission to the master's program in optometry and vision science.
You will learn
Teaching will be in the form of topical lectures, demonstrations of clinical methods, and practical learning of clinical diagnostic methods. There will also be individual study and course work. Students are responsible for completing assignments within the given deadlines, and will have to exercise independent time management for all tasks within the course.
Course Sessions Spring 2026
GKD1 Sessions:
Dates to be announced.
GKD2 Sessions:
Dates to be announced.
All sessions will take place on campus at Kongsberg.
Study Plan and Course Plans
A study plan describes the content, structure and organization of a study programme. To each study plan there is a set of course plans that describe the different courses. In the course plan you will also find a reading list. Below you will find a study model that shows you which courses that are taught in each term. In the study model you'll also find links to each course plan.
Study plan for 2026 spring
Admission requirements
Norwegian applicants
- Completed bachelor's degree in optometry or equivalent University College qualification in optometry
- Authorization or license as an optometrist in a Nordic country
- At least two years of work experience
If content from the course "Accreditation course - use of diagnostic drugs 1" (GKD1) was not included in applicant’s bachelor degree, they need to complete this course in addition.
All applicants with a 2-year education in optometry from Norway (i.e. from 1989 or older) must have passed GKD1 or agree to take it at the same time as GKD2.
Foreign applicants
- Completed bachelor's degree in optometry or equivalent University College qualification in optometry
- License to practice as an optometrist in Norway
- At least two years of work experience
- Language requirements:
- For GKD2 with English as the language of instruction, English proficiency must be documented
- For GKD2 with Norwegian as the language of instruction, applicants with education from countries outside the Nordic region must document that they meet language requirements in both Norwegian and English
If content from the course "Accreditation course - use of diagnostic drugs 1" (GKD1) was not included in applicant’s bachelor degree, they need to complete this course in addition.
Applicants with an optometry qualification from Denmark taken before 2011, must have passed GKD1 or agree to take it at the same time as GKD2.
Applicants with education from other countries will be assessed individually.
Applicants who require GKD1 to qualify for admission to GKD2 will be offered to take GKD1 as a course at the same time as the GKD2. As a result, the two courses will run simultaneously and the workload will be accordingly.
GKD1 provides generell knowledge and skills corresponding to the level that was taught in the 3-year long optometry education prior to the implementation of the certification scheme for diagnostic eye drops in 2004.
Price: 13 500,- NOK
