Advanced Optometry 3, 9 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) based on the optician's role as referring practices in the health care be able to write a relevant referral to correct instance
2) perform complete vision screening according to laws and regulations and analyse and reflect on research results in relation to different optometric case types including to prescribe and apply treatment practically
3) describe, apply and analyse methods for evaluating the binocular functions and evaluate outcome and prescribe treatment
4) apply methods to examine and evaluate the anterior and posterior segments of the eye and be able to analyse the result in relation to different pathological conditions
5) perform, interpret and analyse vision field screening (perimetry) and fundus imageing and be able to see relationships between structure and function
6) describe, apply and analyse methods to evaluate dry eyes and recommend treatment
7) based on a global health perspective be able to understand and evaluate occurrence and differences in refraction development among individuals
8) reason about sustainable development as concept knowledge field and as an integrated (ecological, economic and social) perspective on social progress and man's interplay with nature - particularly in an optometric perspective.
9) list and describe the processes involved in the perception of light and colour ,
10) list and describe the processes involved in form perception and perception of depths,
11) list and describe the processes involved in motion and temporal perception,
12) describe and apply methods for study of contrast sensitivity and to be able to interpret the results
13) describe psychophysical methods used in the study of the visual function.

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

Aim 14-16 should be seen in relation to the document "Vetenskaplig strimma Optikerprogrammet" (Scientific streak in optometry program).

The course includes the following parts: colour perception, depth perception, form perception, light perception, motion perception, temporal perception, contrast sensitivity and psychophysical methods. Large focus is also placed on complete vision screening on external patients, recipe/referrals, prescription, visual field, fundus, binocular vision, screening methods and dry eyes in connection with clinical training opportunity (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 modules:

The module includes VIL, portfolio and formative assessment of clinical proficiencies and patient care, and practical test of vision screening.

The module includes theoretical understanding and revenue of the topic-specific contents of the course.

The module 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.

The course is examined in the following way:

Module 1, Clinical work, examines the learning outcomes 1 up to 8.
a) continuous examination of clinical proficiencies and patient care in connection with VIL (Fail/Pass)
b) compulsory portfolio according to instructions
c) practical test of vision screening (Fail/Pass)
d) compulsory seminars and demonstrations as per schedule

The module is given the grade Fail or Pass. For Pass is required Pass on examination assignment a) and c), and fulfillment of compulsory course elements.

Module 2, Theoretical understanding, examines the learning outcomes 1 up to 16.
a) written examination, is given the grade Fail, Pass or Pass with distinction
Re-examination may take place orally.
b) compulsory seminars and demonstrations as per schedule

The module is given the grade Fail, Pass or Pass with distinction. For Pass, Pass on written examination is required, and fulfillment of compulsory course elements. For Pass with distinction, Pass with distinction on written examination is required, and fulfillment of compulsory education elements.

Module 3, Scientific development, examines the learning outcomes 1-16.
a) compulsory assignments in KI's virtual learning environment
b) written assignments, are given the grade Fail or Pass
c) compulsory seminars and demonstrations as per schedule, this is part of the scientific streak of the programme

The module is given the grade Fail or G. For Pass is required Pass on all written assignments b), and fulfillment of compulsory course elements.

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

Absence from or unfullfillment of compulsory course element
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 participate/go through the course and be assessed on the same is limited to two (2) times.

Guidelines for canceling a VIL opportunity
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 clinical placement is interrupted in this way the student is deemed to have failed that element and to have used up one clinical placement opportunity. In such cases, an individual action plan should be set up stating which activities and tests are required before the student is qualified for a new clinical placement 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's 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.

The course has been cancelled and was offered for the last time in the spring semester of 2023. Examination will be provided until the spring of 2025 for students who have not completed the course. 

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.