Basic Optometry 1 and Research Methodology, 10.5 credits

No specific entry requirements.

After the course, the student should be able to
1) list and describe various types of visual defects (refractive errors/ammetropia/emmetropia), and explain/describe how the eye can change refraction (accommodation); and describe/explain how lenses influences the retinal image
2) carry out visual acuity testing and relate the results to different refractive errors and visual acuity conversion
3) apply binocular refraction including binocular vision tests and cross cylinder (in test frame) based on objective start value and hygiene procedures in the vision clinic
4) apply instruments for corneal curvature measuring (keratometer)
5) apply communicative tools to find out, document and evaluate relevant information (medical history taking) as a basis for the implementation of the vision screening
6) list various types of glass materials and list and handle frame materials, and describe their characteristics
7) apply instruments for measure the lens (focimeter) to verify single power lenses, and be able to calculate decentration in relation to PD (pupil distance) and height theoretically
8) show included understanding of aspects around confidentiality in a healthcare context and knowledge of relevant ordinances in relation to record keeping and ethical aspects within the care.

The student should also, in an appropriate level, based on optometry, care and scientific perspective, be able to
9) distinguish knowledge at the scientific level
10) demonstrate an understanding of scientific publications and of the disciplinary foundation of the field
11) identify and account for relevant information from scientific literature and discuss new facts, phenomena and issues.

Aim 9-11 should be seen in relation to the document "Vetenskaplig strimma Optikerprogrammet" (Scientific streak of the optometry program).

The course contains of the following parts: emmetropia and ametropia (refractive errors) including astigmatism; accommodation; retinal image formation; visual acuity, testing and estimate of refractive errors; keratometry, PD-measurements and binocular vision tests refraction methods and objective refraction methodology (autorefractor) and subjective binocular refraction methodology (including cross cylinder) in test frame; level-suited medical history taking; medical records keeping; materials science (glass and arcs); measure the lens with focimeter and calculation of optical deviations in relation to PD and height; relevant statutes about e.g. confidentiality, medical records keeping and ethical aspects in the care; hygiene procedures in vision examination; and sustainable development in an optometric health care perspective.

In addition to this the course is part of the teaching of general scientific knowledge within the program. In connection with this, the students will be introduced to scholarship and best practice and scientific communication. They also develop their knowledge and understanding, skills and abilities, their judgement and 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 three modules as follows:

Module 1 includes portfolio, workshop, clinical work, practice of and reflection on screening methodology, as well as practical examination in refraction and so called preliminary vision tests.

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

Module 3 includes assignments on KI's web-based learning platform, the scientific streak and seminar.

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

Seminars and laboratory sessions are compulsory.

The course is examined in the following way:

Module 1, Clinical Work
a) practical examination in refraction and so called preliminary vision tests, is graded U (Fail) or G (Pass)
b) compulsory portfolio according to instructions
c) compulsory seminars and demonstrations according to schedule

The module is graded U or G. The grade G requires G on examination a) as well as fulfillment of compulsory course elements.

Module 2, Theoretical Understanding
a) written exam, is graded U, G or VG (Pass with distinction)
Re-examination may be oral.
b) compulsory seminars and demonstrations according to schedule 

The module is graded U, G or VG. The grade G requires G on written exam, as well as fulfillment of compulsory course elements. The grade VG requires VG on written exam, as well as fulfillment of compulsory course elements.

Module 3, Scientific Development
a) compulsory assignments on KI's web-based learning platform
b) written assignments, is graded U or G
c) compulsory seminars and demonstrations according to schedule, a part of the programme's scientific streak

The module is graded U or G. The grade G requires G on all written assignments b) and fulfillment of compulsory course elements.

Course grade
The course is graded U, G or VG.
The grade G on the entire course requires G on all modules 1-3. The grade VG requires G on module 1 and 3, and VG on module 2.

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 examination
Students who do not pass the regular examination are entitled to retake the examination on five more occasions. If the student has failed a total of six examinations/tests, no additional examination will be given. Each occasion the student participates in the same test counts as an examination. Submission of blank exam is counted as an examination. An electronic examination that has been opened via the learning management system counts as an examination, even if the examination is not submitted. An examination to which the student registered but did not attend, will not be counted as an examination. In order for an examination assignment to be relevant for assessment, it must have been submitted by the appointed time, otherwise the student is referred to the re-examination opportunity.

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 skills, knowledge 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 according to guidelines established by Karolinska Institutet.

The course may be given in parallel with the course Optics 1 (KTH) and is based on knowledge acquired at the course.

Teaching in English may occur.