MSci Optometry

Working with your peers you will further expand your knowledge of subjects in semester 3 in the context of clinical cases. As a member of the Manchester Optometry Clinical Team, you will have the opportunity to apply your clinical skills while working with students from different academic years and examining real patients in our state of the art clinical facility. There will also be opportunities for short clinical placements external to the university. 

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)
• Develop the ability to undertake foundational clinical procedures that a learner can be trusted to perform independently or reactive supervision (QAA) .

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 first 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 in the local community under supervision giving an opportunity to show they can be entrusted with key areas of activity. Learners are encouraged to apply for short term placements provided by our Manchester Practice Partners over the summer vacation or volunteer for optometry charities. This experience can count towards the regulator mandated clinical experience. 

Upon completion of this unit learners will be able to:

1. Describe rod and cone dynamics  
2. Explain dark adaptation  
3. Discuss colour opponency  
4. Compare the basics of eye design  
5. Identify the principal optical components of the human eye  
6. Describe the key ophthalmic angles  
7. Measure and calculate the optical components of the human eye  
8. Illustrate the optical theory behind keratometry
9. Produce a schematic representation of an ametropic eye
10. Calculate the correction of ametropia  
11. Explain the various constraints on the visual system and the effect of aberrations  
12. Describe theories of accommodation and explain how spectacles contribute to accommodation demand
13. Outline rigid contact lens optics  
14. Describe key calculations in refractive surgery  
15. Discuss the design, replacement, modality and materials of soft and rigid contact lenses  
16. Explain the steps involved in a preliminary contact lens examination
17. Describe contact lens care systems and compliance  
18. Explain the process of rigid contact lens fitting  
19. Discuss systemic conditions with ocular manifestations  
20. Discuss the investigation of a red eye  
21. Explain what is meant by epidemiology  
22. Explain the Medicines Act and how it applies to optometric practice  
23. Describe drugs used in the management of pain, inflammation, bacterial/viral/fungal infection,  allergy and the use diagnostically of local anaesthetics and stains
24. Discuss biologics used to treat ocular disorders  
25. Outline mechanisms of drugs encountered in patient histories  
26. Describe the use of a refractor head  
27. Discuss the use of cycloplegia in refraction and mydriasis for ocular examination  
28. Explain extraocular muscle actions, innervation and clinical testing  
29. Describe considerations required when dispensing high powered lenses  
30. Discuss lens forms and aberrations  
31. Discuss visual requirements for driving and sport  
32. Explain the idea of vision training  
33. Describe the visual effects of display screens  
34. Explain what is meant by consent, confidentiality, conflict of interest, whistleblowing, limits of competence, equality and diversity  
35. Explain the legislation applicable to the practice of optometry  
36. Explain the different environments in which optometry may be practised  
37. Explain what is meant by clinical governance  
38. Explain how an Optometrist delivers NHS funded care and the ethical issues involved in allocating funding  
39. Explain the role of various UK Optical Bodies  
40. Explain how culture and ethnicity may affect the delivery of healthcare  
41. Explain the role of Optometrists in public health  
42. 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
43. Discuss how virtual assistants may be able to enhance access to healthcare and explain the difference between AI for prediction vs explanation.

Over the course of this unit and Introduction to Clinical Optometry 1 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 mind-set 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. Communicate effectively with patients in their immediate context  
9. Explain the concepts of variability, sampling and how to test for differences
10. Explain how to investigate associations
11. Explain how to deal with categorical data, how to compare more than one group and regression analysis  
12. 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