Advanced Optometry 2, 7.5 credits

Passed results of at least 45 credits from the Study Programme in Optometry's semester 1 and 2.

Students who have failed their VIL (clinical training opportunity) after demonstrating serious deficiencies in understanding, skill, or professional attitude, and done this to the degree that client or patient safety or client/ patient/ employer trust for the healthcare have been jeopardised, will qualify for a new VIL opportunity only after completion of an individual action plan.

After the course, the student should be able to
1) describe and handle the role of the optometrist as a referring practitioner in the health care,
2) describe and apply methods for study of binocular functions and evaluate outcome,
3) perform complete vision screening and analyse research results in relation to different optometric cases, including prescribe and practically apply treatment,
4) apply methods to examine and evaluate the anterior and posterior segments of the eye,
5) carry out and interpret vision field screening (perimetry) and interpret and evaluate posterior segments in relation to what is normal/abnormal,
6) from a global health perspective, be able to understand and evaluate occurrence and differences in refraction development among individuals, and
7) reason about sustainable development as concept, field of knowledge and as an integrated (ecological, economic and social) perspective on social progress and man's interplay with nature – particularly in an optometric perspective.

In addition to the above the student should, in a level-suited optometry -, care - and scientific perspective, be able to
8) search, collect and evaluate information from a presented problem, and to discuss phenomena, issues and situations critically,
9) independently identify, formulate and solve problems in writing and carry out assignments within given time frames, and
10) formulate scientific text in writing.

Aim 8-10 should be seen in relation to the document "Vetenskaplig strimma Optikerprogrammet".

The course contains the following: complete vision screening with a focus on external patients, recipe/referrals, prescription, visual field, binocular vision, screening methods and clinical/ practical training (VIL).

In addition to this the course is part of the teaching of general scientific knowledge within the program. In relation to teaching of general scientific knowledge, the students continue to broaden their knowledge related to the scientific base of optometry, science and proven experience and scientific communication. They also develop their knowledge and understanding, skills and abilities, their judgement, scientific thought and attitude, in relation to optometry and a lifelong learning. The teaching of general scientific knowledge is described in a separate document.

The course is divided in the following three (3) modules:

Module 1 includes VIL, portfolio and formative assessment of patient care and case examination.

Module 2 includes theoretical understanding and renewal of the topic-specific contents of the course.

Module 3 includes assignments in KI's virtual learning environment, the scientific streak and written assignments.

The course includes self-study, demonstrations, test, laboratory sessions, theoretical overviews (e.g. lectures, seminars, flipped classroom, case methods), practical/clinical exercises (VIL), portfolio and written assignments. The students are given a possibility to train practical skills but must take a great responsibility themselves.

Seminars and demonstration sessions are compulsory.

The course is examined in the following way:

Module 1, Clinical work, examines the learning outcomes 1 up to 7. The module is assessed through formative assessment of patient care in connection with VIL and case examination. The module is given the grade Fail or Pass.

Module 2, Theoretical understanding, examines the learning outcomes 1 up to 10. The module is examined through written examination. Re-examination may take place orally. The module is given the grade Fail, Pass or Pass with distinction.

Module 3, Scientific development, assess the aims 1-10. The module is assessed through assignments in KI's virtual learning environment, the scientific streak and written assignments. The module is given the grade Fail or Pass.

Course grade
The entire course is given the grade Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).
For the grade Pass (G) on the entire course, Pass (G) on all modules is required, as well as fulfillment of compulsory course elements.
For the grade Pass with distinction (VG) on the entire course, Pass (G) on module 1 and 3, and Pass with distinction (VG) on module 2 is required, as well as fulfillment of compulsory course elements.

Absence from or unfulfillment of compulsory course elements
The examiner decides whether, and if so how, absence from or unfulfillment of compulsory course elements can be made up for. Study results cannot be reported until the student has participated in or fulfilled compulsory course elements, or compensated for any absence/ failure to fulfill in accordance with instructions from the examiner. Absence from or unfulfillment of a compulsory course element may imply that the student can not retake the element until the next time the course is offered.

Limitation of the number of practical test or training sessions
Students who do not pass a regular examination are entitled to re-sit the examination on five more occasions. If the student has carried out six failed tests, no further examination opportunity is given. Each occasion the student participates in the same test counts as an examination. In case a student is registered for an examination but does not attend, this is not regarded as an examination. To be valid for judgement, the examination must be submitted at the given time, or the student will be referred to the next examination occasion.

Regarding VIL, the number of times a student has the right to follow the course and thereby be examined, is limited to two (2) times.

Guidelines in case of failure
The examiner may, with immediate effect, interrupt a student's clinical placement (or equivalent) if the student demonstrates such serious deficiencies in knowledge, skills or attitude that patient safety or patient confidence in healthcare is at risk. If a VIL opportunity is interrupted in this way, the student is deemed to have failed that module and to have used one VIL opportunity. In such cases, an individual action plan should be established, where it is made explicit what activities and examinations are required before the student is qualified for a second VIL opportunity on the course.

Possibility of exception from the course syllabus' regulations on examination
If there are special grounds, or a need for adaptation for a student with a disability, the examiner may decide to deviate from the syllabus' regulations on the examination form, the number of examination opportunities, the possibility of supplementation or exemptions from the compulsory section/s of the course etc. Content and learning outcomes as well as the level of expected knowledge, skills and attitudes may not be changed, removed or reduced.

If the course is closed down or goes through substancial changes, information about interim regulations will be stated here.

Course evaluation takes place in accordance with KI's local guidelines. Compilation of the students' answers in course questionnaires and the course coordinator's analysis of these are published on KI's public course web.

Some teaching may be in English.