OPT033: Paediatric Optometry - Practical

This module aims to provide you with the practical training to provide a high standard of paediatric eye care to children of all ages.

This module builds on core competence of all optometrists, with a requirement for higher level of practical ability and self-evaluation of skills and practice. OPT006 is a prerequisite for enrolment on this module.

Along with 'OPT006: Paediatric Eye Care 1 - Theory', this module is accredited by the College of Optometrists to provide the Professional Certificate in Paediatric Eye Care.

Attendance for contact days in Cardiff is required. These will be two or three consecutive days in June.

Learning objectives

On completion of the module you should be able to:

• 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 paediatric eye care in optometry
• present balanced and informed arguments, incorporating critical judgment and decision making in practical assessments
• effectively reflect on and evaluate learning
• assess the signs and symptoms of paediatric eye conditions to make a differential diagnosis and to rank options for diagnosis and management
• problem solve and develop solutions/ management plans in eye care settings, in paediatric cases based on evidence and sound professional and clinical judgment

How the module will be delivered

This module is the practical complement to OPT006: Paediatric Eye Care 1 - Theory. You will have the opportunity to do guided case based learning that encourages you to revise and apply knowledge to four patient key features scenarios in a virtual setting via Learning Central the University’s e-learning system, with supporting resources and references supplied. Four interactive webinars will allow you to discuss the formative key features scenarios and an additional set of case scenarios, with particular emphasis on management and communication with parents and other professionals.

External tutors from other professions (occupational therapy, VI support teaching and dispensing optics) will provide you with valuable wider experience (either through webinars or face-to-face workshops)

Discussions boards accessed via Learning Central will also provide a platform for you to discuss any questions or queries that come up throughout the term with both the course tutors and their peers. In the practical days there will be workshops/webinars and clinical experience in the Special Assessment Clinic, which will allow you to witness and participate in eye examinations with child patients.

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

Syllabus content

The practical workshops, online discussions and written submissions will cover the following areas:

• tests and techniques for examining young children:
  • visual acuity and contrast sensitivity tests
  • retinoscopy
  • accommodation
  • stereopsis and colour vision
  • eye movements and visual fields
• practical demonstration of dispensing for children
• paediatric contact lenses
• measuring binocular status in children
• assessment for coloured overlays and coloured lenses
• paediatric Case studies (Peer-review)
• communication skills with children and parents
• in addition, practical days will allow for a session on a different topic, such as  the experiences of children with visual impairment, supporting children with SEN and latest research findings related to paediatric optometry

How the module will be assessed

Formative assessment

This is assessment that does not contribute to your overall module mark.

Case record presentation: You will select one of your case records or an interesting issue arising from your experience, give a short presentation on salient issues to the other students, and lead a discussion. The session will constitute peer review and is likely to take the form of a webinar

Summative assessment

This is an assessment that must be passed in order to complete the module, including:

• practical assessment (50%): You will sit station exams
• competencies (0%): in static and dynamic retinoscopy and in communication will also be assessed and a pass will be required in each for completion of the module
• case Records (50%): You will be required to submit three case records

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