MSci Optometry

In this unit you will explore a variety of exciting new subjects, including human disease processes, pharmacology, contact lens practice, and binocular vision. Working with your peers you will apply this knowledge to clinical cases. Additionally, you will enhance your understanding of optics, ophthalmic appliances, and optometric instrumentation. As part of a team, you will have the opportunity to apply your clinical skills while working with students from different academic years and examining real patients at the Manchester Optometry Clinic. 

The unit aims to:

• Foster a sense of community and a supportive learning environment where all learners feel that they belong
• Support the learner’s transition into the clinical environment 
• Explore further key elements of professionalism and what it means to be an Optometrist
• Enable to application of fundamental knowledge gained in first year to clinical environments (QAA Qualifications Framework)
• Develop the ability to undertake foundational clinical procedures that a learner can be trusted to perform independently or reactive supervision (QAA Qualifications Framework) .

The teaching and learning philosophy for the MSci optometry is learner centred with an emphasis on building knowledge by working as part of a team through considering clinical scenarios. Learning is structured to maximise guided self-directed learning, with team based learning events provided to support greater conceptual understanding of the material. Practical clinical skills are developed alongside clinical scenarios in a supportive environment with an emphasis of learners becoming trusted to carry out clinical activities and make a positive contribution to patient care. Our approach helps students prepare for their future careers by enabling them to develop independence, confidence, resilience and the ability to work as part of a team. We use a range of teaching and learning activities to meet the learning needs of a diverse range of students:

• Online learning: Learners are presented with a clinical cases along with a suite of resources to facilitate achieving the outcomes associated with it. These may consist of videos, audio, bespoke e-learning packages, factsheets and directed reading.
• Team Based Learning Events: All learning is brought together and consolidated in a day long learning event once every two weeks. Events are led by a team of subject experts who act as specialist facilitators, directing student learning via a range of application exercises which, after a formative assessment of individual understanding, students work through as a team.  
• Practical classes: Practical classes weekly throughout the second year of study. Learners work in small groups with clinician supervisors who introduce them to the core skills needed to work towards first and second year entrustable professional activities (EPAs). These EPAs are closely aligned with the content of the team based learning.  
• Practise & Simulation: Learners have the opportunity to practise skills they have been introduced to in practical classes, working with each other and in simulations.  
• Academic adviser meetings: Learners meet with their named academic adviser twice per semester in formal timetabled meetings. Academic advisers support students with their personal and professional development throughout the MSci optometry course.
• Placement: Learners work in clinical teams with other year groups in our public facing optometry clinics delivering care to patients under supervision giving an opportunity to show they can be entrusted with key areas of activity.  

1. Describe the characteristics of photopic and scotopic vision and apply understanding to clinical settings 
2. Explain spatial contrast sensitivity and apply this to clinical settings  
3. Discuss the physiology and role of rod and cone photoreceptors and apply this knowledge to clinical settings  
4. Explain photometry, lighting and its impact on visual performance  
5. Discuss the non-visual effects of lighting  
6. Describe the measurement, role and benefits of macula pigment  
7. Produce a schematic representation of an emmetropic eye  
8. Describe the theories of myopia development  
9. Discuss the therapeutic effects of light in relation to myopia and AMD  
10. Discuss recent developments in ophthalmic equipment  
11. Show how to do a binocular refraction  
12. Show how to perform a gross visual field assessment  
13. Explain how to use a direct ophthalmoscope  
14. Describe the use of contrast sensitivity and colour vision tests/occupational requirements  
15. Explain the principles of visual field assessment
16. Describe the use of an Amsler test  
17. Describe the use of the Henson and Humphrey VFA and apply knowledge to clinical settings  
18. Explain the basic principles of a slit lamp  
19. Describe the use of a slit lamp to examine the eyelids and the anterior chamber angle/depth
20. Describe the use of a slit lamp in contact lens practice  
21. Explain the process of soft contact lens fitting  
22. Outline types of pathogens, spread, methods of control and body defences
23. Identify the causes of watery, dry, irritable eyes and lid lumps
24. Discuss the impact of trauma on the eye  
25. Explain the role of genetics in eye disease  
26. Describe the structure and function of the autonomic nervous system  
27. Explain ocular pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
28. Discuss the pharmacology of nicotine and its effect on the eye  
29. Describe the use of drugs to manage dry eye  
30. Identify adverse reactions and side effects of systemic drugs on the eye  
31. Outline the basic principles of binocular vision  
32. Identify and explain strabismus along with its causes and consequences  
33. Explain the measurement of ocular deviations and AC/A ratio  
34. Explain fixation disparity and methods of clinical measurement  
35. Explain stereopsis and methods of clinical measurement
36. Discuss the design, manufacture and description of spectacle frames  
37. Describe how to take facial measurements  
38. Explain lens coatings, tints and filters  
39. Discuss the use of PALs
40. Explain how to undertake visual task analysis  
41. Describe visual requirements and appliances used in specific occupations  
42. Explain NHS, GOC and BS EN ISO standards applicable to spectacle dispensing  
43. Explain what is meant by consent, confidentiality, conflict of interest, whistleblowing, limits of competence, equality and diversity  
44. Explain the legislation applicable to the practice of optometry  
45. Explain the different environments in which optometry may be practised  
46. Explain what is meant by clinical governance  
47. Explain how an Optometrist delivers NHS funded care and the ethical issues involved in allocating funding  
48. Explain the role of various UK Optical Bodies  
49. Explain how culture and ethnicity may affect the delivery of healthcare  
50. Explain the role of Optometrists in public health  
51. Explain how AI's role in healthcare as a narrow tool and recognize its potential to benefit patients as well as the risks and limitations.

Over the course of this unit and Introduction to Clinical Optometry 2 learners will be required to demonstrate that they can be entrusted (level in brackets) with the work listed below by the end of second year. See section on summative assessment for further details of entrustable professional activities (EPAs).  

1. Performing a basic slit lamp examination (4)
2. Measuring IOP with a non-contact tonometer (4)
3. Determining distance refractive error using a retinoscope (3)
4. Performing an automated visual fields test (4)
5. Focimetering spectacles (3)
6. Straightforward spectacle dispensing (4)
7. Capturing an ocular image (4)
8. Contact Lens Teaching (4)
9. Managing a practice diary (3)
10. Using subjective methods to determine distance refraction (4)
11. Using subjective methods to determine near refraction (4)
12. Taking a case history (3)
13. Measuring visual acuity (4)
14. Spectacle collection (3)
15. Performing a cover test (4)
16. Examining the fundus with a Volk lens (3).

Upon completion of this unit learners will be able to:

1. Apply basic principles to real world problems  
2. Reflect on and discuss own strengths and development needs
3. Discuss strategies to cope with stress and use a growth mindset when dealing with adversity
4. Work as part of a team and show awareness of methods that can be used to resolve conflict  
5. Explain how to communicate with patients and other healthcare professionals  
6. Engage with and apply feedback from academic staff and peers  
7. Analyse evidence from the peer reviewed literature
8. Construct a curriculum vitae  
9. Communicate effectively with patients in their immediate context  
10. Explain tensions when making resource allocation decisions in healthcare  
11. Explain the concepts of variability, sampling and how to test for differences
12. Explain how to investigate associations
13. Explain how to deal with categorical data, how to compare more than one group and regression analysis  
14. Explain how to deal with non-parametric data.

Formative

• Multiple Choice Questions every 2 weeks
• TBL case-based exercises and application exercises every 2 weeks. 

Summative

• Integrated case-based examination at end of academic year, using the same format as TBL exercises. This is a single assessment event which covers Introduction to Clinical Optometry 1 and 2 (30 credits)
• Completion of reflective portfolio (pass/fail). This is a single decision which covers Introduction to Clinical Optometry 1 and 2.
• Entrustment scores given by clinical supervisors at each undertaking of an EPA which generates a score between 1 and 4 where:
  • 1 = Observation of activity only  
  • 2 = Activity performed under direct supervision  
  • 3 = Activity performed under reactive supervision  
  • 4 = Activity can be performed unsupervised  
• Decision on progress from second to third year made by a competence committee who review these entrustment scores along with other key metrics across the whole year such as attendance and performance in formative MCQs. For a learner to progress the committee needs to be convinced that entrustments levels specified in the ‘Practical Skills’ section have been reached  (30 credits). 

Formative

• Immediate feedback on MCQs  
• Immediate feedback on team based application exercises  
• Immediate feedback from supervisors on EPAs
• Periodic meeting and review of all formative assessment from TBL and EPA with academic advisor and year team if needed.

Summative

• Feedback on integrated case based examination following summer exam period
• Written feedback on reflective portfolio
• Feedback from the competence committee on decision to progress.

The MSci optometry uses a TBL approach to teaching and learning. As such, learners are required to engage with a number of self-directed learning activities including reading. In year 2, reading material is provided for students by staff but they are encouraged to search for their own additional resources to supplement learning. Directed reading will be from optometry journals, eBooks and clinical resources (e.g. College of Optometrists Guidance, LOCSU resources). As clinical practice is constantly changing, this material will be reviewed each academic year, and then again before each session is delivered, to ensure it remains relevant. 

Scheduled activity hours:

• TBL Events: 42
• Practical classes: 72
• Clinical placement: 153