OPT006: Paediatric Optometry

This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills to provide a high standard of eye care to children.

This module is aimed at providing you with a comprehensive theoretical knowledge to prepare you to provide a high standard of eye care to children of all ages. It builds on core competence of all optometrists, with a requirement for higher level understanding and knowledge.

Along with 'OPT033: Paediatric Eye Care 2 - Practical', this module is accredited by the College of Optometrists to provide the Professional Certificate in Paediatric Eye Care.

There are CET points available on completion of applicable elements of the module.

This is a distance learning only module. There is no practical component to this module.

Learning objectives

On completion of the module you should be able to:

• critically reflect a knowledge of complex, controversial and/ or contentious issues related to paediatric eye care in optometric practice
• evaluate and apply modern key concepts of paediatric care and be able to apply them to challenges within their own environment and practice
• address and reflect on the benefit of inter-professional teamwork in the delivery of optometric care for children
• explore, critically analyse, synthesis and evaluate evidence-based literature, guidelines and underpinning theories in acute eye care and apply this knowledge to given scenarios, demonstrating how they would determine the most appropriate solutions for a patient accessing paediatric ophthalmic care
• present balanced and informed arguments, incorporating critical judgment and decision making in written work.

How the module will be delivered

This module is taught via lectures (Powerpoint with audio) delivered via Learning Central, the University’s e-learning system, with supporting resources and references supplied. There is a webinar, with Key Features Scenarios and a discussion led by the module leader. There is also an online introductory webinar to outline the course. This is a distance learning only module.

Discussion boards accessed via Learning Central will provide a platform for students to discuss any questions or queries that come up throughout the term with both the course tutors and their peers.

Syllabus content

• general and ocular development in infancy
• refractive development, and distribution of refractive errors throughout childhood
• assessment of refractive error and prescribing for children
• development of normal and abnormal binocular vision
• assessment of binocular vision in infants and children and management of abnormalities
• tests and techniques for assessing vision in children and expected values
• the role of the optometrist in specific learning difficulties
• language development in children and communicating with children, parents and professionals
• vision screening in childhood
• assessment of ocular health and common defects in childhood
• dispensing for children
• safeguarding children (level two)
• introduction to research techniques

Skills that will be practised and developed

Academic skills

• advance your own knowledge and understanding
• collate and synthesise information from several resources to improve learning
• write concisely and clearly for the academic and clinical community
• interpret data

Generic skills

• manage projects and time
• work independently
• use a range of IT software packages and online resources
• problem solving

How the module will be assessed

• formative online tests: These are online MCQ tests that will enable you to assess your comprehension and application at the end of each lecture.
• formative written coursework: A case record (not counting towards the mark) should include reflection and appropriate references. Feedback will be provided.
• written coursework (50%): Students will submit a piece of written coursework
• case records (50%): Students will submit a full case record. The records should include reflection and appropriate references.

(For the College Professional Certificate, students are required to submit four case records from their clinical practice over the two modules, including at least one involving communication with another (non-eye care) professional. The summative case record in OPT006 forms one of the required four).