Programme syllabus for Master's Programme in Clinical Optometry

Magisterprogrammet i klinisk optometri

Outcomes

Outcomes of Second Cycle Education According to the Higher Education Act

Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall be based fundamentally on the knowledge acquired by students during first-cyclecourses and study programmes, or its equivalent.

Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall involve the acquisition of specialist knowledge, competence and skills in relationto first-cycle courses and study programmes, and in addition to the requirements for first-cycle courses and study programmes shall:

• further develop the ability of students to integrate and make autonomous use of their knowledge,
• develop the students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and
• develop the students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable autonomy, or for research and development work.

Degree Outcomes According to the Higher Education Ordinance

Outcomes of the Degree of Master (60 credits) according to the Higher Education Ordinance

Knowledge and understanding
For a Degree of Master (60 credits) the student shall

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both an overview of the field and specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work, and
• demonstrate specialised methodological knowledge in the main field of study.

Competence and skills
For a Degree of Master (60 credits) the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information
• demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues autonomously as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames
• demonstrate the ability in speech and writing to report clearly and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences, and
• demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and development work or employment in some other qualified capacity.

Judgement and approach
For a Degree of Master (60 credits) the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work
• demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
• demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.

Outcomes of the Study Programme at Karolinska Institutet

In addition to the national outcomes for the master's degree, the following objectives apply to the master's programme in clinical optometry at Karolinska Institutet.

Upon completion of the programme, the student shall be able to:

• use diagnostic ocular pharmacological preparations in an individualised and patient-safe manner
• perform and interpret the results of advanced optometric examinations and be able to relate to the medical-technical development in their professional practice
• act as a primary care provider in eye care and manage patients with conditions related to eye diseases, neuro-optometry, binocular vision anomalies, and paediatric optometry
• demonstrate skills and ability to participate in, plan, and develop collaborations with other professional categories in the care chain
• assess patients' care needs and determine the appropriate level of care in relation to current regulations and care guidelines
• understand their significance for the development of their own profession and contribute to the competence development of their surroundings by disseminating knowledge and information based on science and evidence

Content and structure

The Master’s Programme in Clinical Optometry aims to further educate licensed optometrists with contact lens authorization or licensed nurses with additional training in eye care. The programme equips clinicians with the readiness to face future challenges in eye care and provides the foundation for continued learning. Students are prepared to independently conduct and interpret the results of a comprehensive eye health examination, performed using advanced examination techniques, and in collaboration with other professions.

The programme meets the requirements of the National Board of Health and Welfare for issuing prescription rights for optometrists, and students are equipped to work with versatile eye care and with a broad patient group within primary care services for vision and eye health. The master’s degree in clinical optometry also prepares students for continued research in eye care.

The courses that begin in the first semester build upon and expand the knowledge that students bring from previous studies. Students are thereby given advanced knowledge and skills in areas such as ocular pharmacology and diagnostic examination methodology, neuro-optometry, binocular vision and its treatment, eye diseases and diagnostics.

During the second semester, students also gain advanced knowledge in pediatric optometry as well as enhance their clinical skills in advanced optometric eye care. Students work on their degree project throughout the academic year to provide the best opportunity for scientific development and critical thinking, as well as time for reflection.

The programme emphasizes the importance of the shared care approach, thereby developing students' ability to professionally relate to and collaborate with their environment in a sustainable manner. Several courses are taught concurrently, alternating theoretical and practical elements to facilitate learning.

Scientific knowledge, competence and approach

All courses develop the students' ability to apply a scientific approach to new methods and instruments, critical thinking, and to discuss both ethical aspects and sustainable development. By independently conducting a degree project, the student deepens and integrates their theoretical and practical knowledge in the main field of optometry, as well as their knowledge of scientific methodology. Through the degree project, the student also develops their skill and ability to communicate both orally and in writing.

Practice Integrated Learning

Practice integrated learning is a generic term for the pedagogical models that are based on interaction and integration between higher education and working life. Practice integrated learning may take the form of work-based education, study visits, observing teaching activities or field studies within out-patient and in-patient healthcare, social care or other relevant activities.

The clinical training is aimed at strengthening frontline eye care providers, optometrists as well as ophthalmic nurses, in their respective professional roles. The practical training takes place both at the optometry clinic at KI and in collaboration with other eye care providers. Practical skills are trained in a clinical environment with advanced optometric equipment. During the placement, the student is involved in the care of patients seeking optometric and highly specialized eye care in an interprofessional environment.

Internationalisation

International conditions and perspectives are discussed within relevant subjects to give students a global perspective on optometry.

Other guidelines

Grading scale

The grades used are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). The grading scale is detailed in the course syllabus.

Language of instruction

The language of instruction is Swedish and to some extent English. Both English and Swedish literature are used.

Cancellation of on-site training

A student's work-based education (VFU) can be immediately terminated if the student shows such serious deficiencies, in knowledge, skills or approach, that jeopardize patient safety or erode patient trust in healthcare. The administration of such matters must be outlined in the course syllabus. If work-based education is terminated this way, an individual action plan must be drawn up statingthe actions that are required before the student is permitted to perform new workbased education.

Study plan with constituent courses

Semester. Name of the course. Credits. Main field of study. Cycle.

1. Ocular Pharmacology and Diagnostics. 7,5 credits. Optometry. Second.
1. Neuro-optometry. 7,5 credits. Optometry. Second.
1 & 2. Ocular Diseases and Diagnostics. 7,5 credits. Optometry. Second.
1 & 2. Binocular Vision and Orthoptic Treatment. 7,5 credits. Optometry. Second.

2. Pediatric Optometry. 7,5 credits. Optometry. Second.
2. Diagnostic Clinic. 7,5 credits. Optometry. Second.

1 & 2. Degree Project in Optometry. 15 credits. Optometry. Second.