Clinical Optometry 1, 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) based on the optician's role as referring part in the health care be able to write a relevant referral to correct instance and reflect on official report comment
2) perform complete vision screening according to laws and regulations, analyse and reflect on research results in relation to different optometric case types and be able to prescribe patient adapted optometric care
3) describe, apply and analyse methods for examination 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 (perimetry) and fundus image and be able to see relationships between structure and function
6) perform, interpret and analyse OCT- measurements and be able to see relationships between structure and function
7) describe, apply and analyse methods to evaluate dry eyes and recommend treatment
8) based on a global health perspective be able to understand and evaluate occurrence and differences in refraction development among individuals
9) identify, reason and reflect on questions about ethics and equal conditions, and on sustainable development as concept, area of knowledge and as an integrated perspective on societal development and man's interaction 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
10) show high ability to search, collect and evaluate information at the scientific level and discuss phenomena critically, issues and situations
11) demonstrate the ability to follow the knowledge development and identify his need of additional knowledge acquisition to continuously develop his skills in the optometry included knowledge of the disciplinary foundation of the optometry
12) independently identify, formulate and solve problems in writing, and carry out assignments within given time frames, and
13) formulate scientific text in writing.

Aim 10-13 should be seen in relation to the document "Vetenskaplig strimma Optikerprogrammet" (Scientific Streak of the Optometry Program).

The course contains the following parts: case analysis of binocular deviations (including amblyopia, eccentric fixation, suppression, ARC, HARC, micro thropia and their tests and treatment), dynamic retinoscopy, measurement with a prism bar and interpretation and analysis of the OCT. 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 case examination.

The module includes theoretical understanding and renewal 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) case examination (Fail/Pass)
d) compulsory seminars and demonstrations as per schedule

The module is given the grade Fail or Pass. The grade Pass requires 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 (Fail/Pass/Pass with distinction)
b) compulsory seminars and demonstrations as per schedule

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

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

The module is given the grade Fail or Pass. The grade Pass requires 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).
The grade Pass on the entire course requires Pass on all modules. Pass with distinction requires Pass 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.

Limited access to VIL (clinical training opportunity)
Regarding VIL, the number of times a student has the right to participate/go through the course and thus be assessed on the same is not limited. However, participation in VIL will only be offered on the condition that there is a place available in the course.

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 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. The number of times a student has the right to undergo activities and knowledge checks according to the individual action plan is limited to two times.

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.

If the course is cancelled or goes through substantial 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.