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UNIVERSITY OF LATVIA
FACULTY OF PHYSICS AND MATHEMATICS
19 Raina blvd., Riga LV-1586
Higher Education and
Science Department of Latvia
Higher Education Quality Evaluation Center
Application for Study Program Accreditation
Applicant - University of Latvia
Title of the Study Program – Professional study program in Optometry
(code: 47442)
Qualification – OPTOMETRIST (code: 3224 02)
Juridical Address – 19 Raina blvd., Riga LV-1586
Dean of the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics
of University of Latvia,
Assistant Professor
O.Judrups
Director of professional study program
in optometry University of Latvia,
Docent Dr.Phys.
V.Grabovskis
University of Latvia
Faculty of Physics and Mathematics
Self-evaluation Report
of the
Professional study program in Optometry
2
Contents
1. INTRODUCTION. GENERAL FEATURE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDY
PROGRAMME IN OPTOMETRY
4
2. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY PROGRAMS
6
3. CONTENTS AND ORGANISATION OF THE STUDIES
8
4. TEACHING AND THE ASSESMENT OF KNOWLEDGE
11
5. ESTIMATION OF THE STUDY PROGRAM IN REGARD TO THE
INTERESTS OF LATVIA
16
6. INSTITUTION AND ACADEMIC PERSONNEL OF THE LATVIAN
UNIVERSITY, WHITH PARTESIPATE IN THE STUDY PROGRAMS
17
7. PROGRAMS OF COOPERATION
19
8. MATERIAL BASIS AND FUNDING FOR THE STUDIES
20
9. RESEARCH WORK OF THE PERSONNEL AND STUDENTS
22
10. COMPARISON WITH THE STUDY PROGRAMS
IN OTHER COUNTRIES
25
11. STUDENTS POINT OF VIEW ON THE QUALITY OF STUDIES
27
12. CONCLUSION
27
APPENDIX
28
1. STUDY PROGRAMMES
2. COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
3. FINAL TEST STRUCTURE IN HEALTH CARE AND OPTOMETRY
4. EXAMINATION MODULE CONTENT
5. REFERENCES
6. ANALOGOUS STUDY PROGRAMMES:
ECOO European Diploma in Optometry
28
30
44
45
47
3
INTRODUCTION.
The self-evaluation report of the professional study program in optometry
describes the professional and academic programs as well as the Optometry and
Vision Science Department, study processes and research revealing the potential
strength, drawbacks and problems and motivates the necessary improvements.
The self-evaluation report has been prepared and discussed in the Optometry
and Vision Science Department in collaboration with the teaching staff, students
and research staff of the Institute of Solid State Physics of University of Latvia.
The self-appraisal report must be looked upon together with the self appraisal
report of Optometry Bachelor and Master study programmes as the programme
is based on the knowledge acquired in the programmes and the same
laboratories, study materials are engaged.
GENERAL FEATURES OF PROFESSIONAL STUDY PROGRAMME IN
OPTOMETRY
An optometrist is a specialist in primary eye care with higher education (see
Classification of Professions in the LR). The optometrist’s main professional
duty is correcting vision by means of eye glasses and contact lenses, conducting
vision trainings intended for vision rehabilitation, as well as detecting eye
diseases and referring the patient to the ophthalmologist for treatment. Training
practice of specialists in primary vision differs from country to country. The best
experienced in training specialists in optometry are the USA and England.
Recent years have witnessed attempts on the part of professional unions in
Europe to pool efforts towards creating co-ordinated curricula, laying down
agreed-on standard requirements to be met in order
to get awarded the
European Diploma in Optometry. The University of Latvia has been
successfully engaged in this process ever since 1992.
The academic study programme does not provide sufficient practical experience
or theoretical knowledge either for the practical work to be a success. The
optometrist’s is a regulations- governed profession having definite strict
demands set upon it. To ensure acquisition of the professional skills, passing the
4
practice and training the optometrists in compliance with the requirements laid
down for the European Diploma, it is necessary to have a programme in
professional optometry studies. In Latvia there are no alternative study
programmes in optometry.
Experience shows that vision correction can be most effectively achieved either
in optometry centres or at oculists’ where both vision check-ups are done and
the corrective aids are chosen and prepared. In the best position to achieve
vision correction is the optometrist since he knows both how to check up on
vision and also has a vast choice of corrective means to offer. In Latvia there are
above 100 optics shops. In less than a half of the optics shops vision is corrected
either by an oculist or an optometrist. In the remaining shops the vision is
corrected by following the directions given in the prescriptions written by other
oculists, which does not ensure the best of results. Moreover, according to the
experience of the developed countries, the number of optometrist-served optics
shops is bound to increase, hence the need for optometry specialists in the
Latvian labour market.
In working out the present study programme in the Latvian University
Optometry and Vision Science Department account was taken of the experience
gained in England, Sweden and other countries, as well as the professional
demands set to qualify for the European Diploma in optometry.
5
GOALS ANS OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY PROGRAMS
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
1. Training of optometry specialists who would be capable of qualifying for the
European Diploma in Optometry.
2. To prepare optometry specialists in compliance with the qualification
requirements of the Latvian labour market.
With a view of gaining these goals, the professional programme is being
regularly perfected, based on the recommendations of the Study Board in charge
of the European Diploma in Optometry.
THE TASKS OF THE PROGRAMME
1. To provide the opportunity to acquire the optometrist’s profession according
to the Profession Classifier (Classification Code 3224 02).
2. To train highly qualified specialists to meet the needs of primary health care.
3. To ensure acquisition of theoretical knowledge in compliance with the
demands set for obtaining the European Diploma in Optometry.
4. To ensure the opportunity for the students to develop their professional skills
and to consolidate them in practice.
The major task of the professional programme is perfecting the clinical skills
and abilities of persons having graduated academic programmes, as well as
checking out on the most recent scientific ideas in their practical application on
patients in the programme- related laboratories and outpatient departments with
a view of training in Latvia such specialists in primary eye care who would fully
satisfy the needs and demands of the ECOO.
The professional study programme in optometry has been developed, based on
the experience of England and the USA, taking into consideration the wishes
and recommendations of Latvia’s Association of Oculists and Optometrists.
Actually studies in two periods are required for acquisition of a professional’s
diploma.
6
1. Academic studies of the basics of natural science, medicine and vision
science, as a result of which the students acquire academic education, namely,
the B.Sc. degree in optometry.
2. Professional studies in optometry resulting in being awarded a diploma in
optometry.
The programme is based on combination of academic studies with performance
of professional work with a view of acquiring the necessary skills.
7
CONTENTS AND ORGANISATION OF THE STUDIES
CURRENT STATUS
The Senate of UL accepted the professional study programme in Optometry on June
29, 1998.
The Professional’s curriculum is planned for two semesters of studies, the workload
of the students comprise 40 CP.
Conditionally, the professional study programme can be divided into the following
blocks:

General health care and indispensable first aid: 8 credit points.

Into-depth studies of questions of applied optometry and methods of clinical
diagnostics.

Clinical practice: 20 credit points.

Problems of general optometry: 2 credit points.
(For the programme: see Attachment.)
To be awarded the optometry diploma the student has to master the full study
programme and to meet all the requirements laid down:
1. To score 40 credit points.
2. To produce 250 case cards testifying that so many patients have been
examined.
3. To pass the final examinations.
The study programme is comprised of two parts:

Obligatory part (Part A) comprising the compulsory fundamental study
courses from all the above-mentioned blocks that constitute 80% of the
programme, i.e. 32 credit points.

Optional part (Part B) constituting up to 20% from the programme, i.e. 8
credit points.
8
Advantages
The programme has been designed and developed on the basis of the
requirements worked out by the ECOO for the European Diploma in
Optometry. Having acquired the programme, the level of the students’
knowledge is sufficient to enable him or her to pass the examination towards
obtaining the European Diploma in Optometry. A large role has been assigned
in the programme to mastering practical skills and professional know-how.
Shortcomings

Shortage of available positions, good specialists, guides of practice who are
capable of conducting it at a good enough level.

Knowledgeable and good specialists in charge of guiding the practice, lack
pedagogical experience.

Badly needed practice in hospitals and out-patient departments for
developing clinical skills.
Operation programme towards improving the programme

Based on the programme’s “ideal module”(Questionnaires of students and
graduates, expert assessments) the structuring of the programme has to be
improved.

Courses have to be identified which at present are not offered but which are
desirable to make the programme ideal.

In improving the programme, to make use of examples from the historical
experiences of England, the USA, Canada and Australia.

The teaching staff and magistrate students of the Department are to be
encouraged to prepare new courses, providing for them additional payment for
developing and delivering new courses. (A special section in the budget is
assigned to the financial sources).

By making use of the opportunities for course development offered by the
Soros Foundation and different support programmes of the European Union, by
cooperating of the Department with other universities.
9

Prepare accessible programme prospectuses and render them available to
the students and the academic community at large, as well as to the professional
specialists in primary eye care. Such a prospectuses would serve as a means for
marketing the programme.

To define more clearly the duties and responsibilities of the programme
manager.

To introduce regular inner self-assessment, students’ questionnaires carry
out mutual auditing, set up calendar plans for each academic year.
To strengthen the material incentives for the teaching staff.
New places for conducting practice are to be arranged and, in order to improve
the value of the practice, it is essential to cooperate with the specialists in charge
of the practice in the optometry consulting rooms.
10
TEACHING AND THE ASSESMENT OF KNOWLEDGE
CURRENT STATUS
The history of the professional study program is very short. There has been only
two groups of graduates so far (17 students together). In 00/01 study year
students in program was not received.
Applicants for the programme come basically from among the graduates from
the bachelor studies that have decided to take up optometrists’ profession.
Another group is usually drawn from among graduates of higher medical
schools who want to specialize in optometry. These find it much harder to study
since they have not had anything to do with optometry-related subjects in their
previous study programmes. Therefore they have to master additional subjects to
score from 30 to 44 credit points. Depending on the degree of their
preparedness, this takes an additional term or more.
Immatriculation.
Any bachelor of optometry, master of optometry or holder of a physician’s
degree can be enrolled as student on the optometry professional study program,
or in separate cases having another kind academic education on a basic
university course.
Imatriculation takes place by way of bidding, going by the marks in the diploma
attachments and the interview results.
Upon having won a higher medical education diploma, the would-be
claimant/applicant has to produce documents testifying to successfully mastered
subjects and obtained credit points in the following disciplines:
No.
Study subject.
1.
Introduction into Optometry
Credit
points
2
2.
Optics
4
3.
Optometric Instruments
4
4.
Ophthalmic Optics
6
6.
7.
General physiology
Anatomy of the eye
4
3
8.
9.
Vision physiology
Eye diseases
2
4
11
10.
11.
13.
Refractive defects of
vision and their correction
Contact lenses
Eye-glass technology
Behaviour optometry
6
3
4
2
In the first study year there were 13 students engaged on the programme. 11 of
them had graduated from bachelor studies, three lady-students were graduates
from the Medical Academy of Latvia. 11 students graduated and passed the final
examinations and had the first certificates conferred on them. Almost all the
graduates from the programme work in the capacity of optometrists.
In the second study year only four students are enrolled. Among them is one
ophthalmologist, lady-student G. Platovska .The others are graduates from the
Bachelor study programme.
Training methods
The main methods are:

lectures;

practical work in optometry consulting centres

individual consultations for students;

Seminars.
Most time is taken up by lectures and practical work in optometry centres. The
large number of lectures is to be accounted for by shortage of special literature
available in Latvian. There is also shortage of aids for the questions to be taught.
Individual consultations are widely used in discussing with practice guides the
examined cases and the completed examination cards.
Shortcomings

Shortage of literature in the study subjects.

The teachers have not written teaching aids in the subjects they teach.

Poor knowledge by the students of foreign languages does not allow them to
make use of text books in foreign languages.
12

Organization of the studies is frequently hampered by the fact that
practitioners engaged in primary eye care are not qualified higher school
pedagogues, they are insufficiently prepared to work with students in the study
laboratories and there is insufficient material incentives to get them interested.
The required improvements

The programmes are to be supplied with text- books.

Material incentives have to be supplied for teachers to induce them to
prepare and use a variety of training methods and means and assessment forms.

The Department has to be better supplied with materials and equipment.
Study assessment requirements and the order of evaluation.
In the study programme special programmes are prepared for each year and
these are regularly supplemented and renewed. They contain references to basic
and supplementary literature, as well as the necessary requirements to enable
these subjects to be passed, as well as the kind of checking,
The main assessment forms are:

The qualification examination in optometry in conclusion of the professional
study programme.

Written and oral examinations or credits in conclusion of the credit course.

Control papers.

Reports.

Seminars (Workshops).
The forms for assessing each particular course are chosen by the teacher, these
are defined in the description of the course and approved by the sitting of the
Department. Apart from the Department teachers, the final examination
commission also includes qualified specialists invited from other organizations.
The course concluding examinations have lately been mostly conducted in
written form. The assessing is done by means of the ten point system. A positive
aspect is that in the compulsory (A) courses not infrequently reports have to be
written and presented. Several courses make use of testing as well as
combinations of tests with problem solutions and other forms of checking on the
13
acquired knowledge. Not infrequently, this allows for greater objectivity in the
evaluation and to carry out the assessment of all the subject matter of the entire
course.
The students questionnaire conducted in the Department bears out the fact that
those teachers are higher valued who maintain higher demands and carry out
regular check-ups.
Shortcomings

The conventional forms of knowledge evaluation (control works,
examinations) without methods of sufficient assessment of the students
individual work do not provide adequate assessment of the student’s
qualification.

Seminars, group discussions and reports are not sufficiently made use of.

Lack of regular evaluation and insufficient control result in a situation that
the final assessment turns out to be lower than the ones carried out during the
study time, which causes students to wonder. In the course of the studies
“liberal” assessment is applied, while in the final exam it is “principled and
strict”.
The required improvements
 In most courses where this does not take place, regular control has to be
established and the weight of seminars has to be increased.
The students can be admitted to the final examinations if they have met the
following conditions:
If they have successively passed their examinations in the theoretical subjects
comprising 20 credit points and in accordance with the programme.
If they have done the clinical practice in accordance with the programme and
have settled the credits in practical work comprising 20 credit points.
If the student has within the framework of clinical practice examined 250
patients and carried out the corrections (including 50 cases with contact lens
corrections) and has completed the examination card for each examined patient.(
The examination cards are supplied in Attachment I)
14
To complete the programme, the student has to settle the following final
examinations:
1. A theoretical examination in health care and optometry problems. The given
examination is done in writing and comprises 200 –250 test questions. The
examination is divided into two parts. The length of each part is 30 hours, the
interval between the two parts is 1- 2 hours. See Attachment II for the thematic
division of the questions. The examination is passed if 65% of the questions
have been answered correctly.
2. Practical examination in eye-glasses technology. Going by the provided
prescription, the examinee has to prepare bifocal or progressive eye-glasses. In
the work metal or or metal with a string frame has to be used. The examination
is passed if the eye glasses quality meets the standard requirements,
3.
A practical examination in checking (examining) the eye-sight functions
and in refraction management. Skills are assessed in the following tests:

ability to communicate with the patient and to instruct-enlighten him or
her;

biomicroscopy;

retinoscopy;

ophthalmoscopy;

subjective refraction;

evaluation of binocular functions;

accommodations;

adjustment of contact lenses.
4. A practical examination in eye diseases. The examinee is shown ten
photographs depicting the eye condition typical of various eye diseases. The
examinee has to name the illness and to explain the further proceedings with the
case.
On his or her successfully having passed the examinations the examination
commission confers the optometrist’s qualification and the respective diploma
upon the graduate.
15
ESTIMATION OF THE STUDY PROGRAM IN REGARD TO THE
INTERESTS OF LATVIA
The number of establishments concerned with correcting patients vision in
Latvia is currently on the increase. To correct vision, highly qualified specialists
are needed. Up to the present vision corrections were done by physicians –
ophthalmologists, although they were not sufficiently prepared to operate in this
area. The experience of the Optometry and Vision Science Department shows
that among ophthalmologists there is a great demand for education in optometry.
A considerable part of the audience of the professional study programme are
expected to come from among physicians – ophthalmologists, as well as
graduates from medical higher schools. The LU is concerned about affording
academic study graduates the opportunity of working in the field of applied
optometry.
Optometry diploma- holders are entitled to work:
1. In vision correction consulting points.
2.
In vision correction consulting points in medical establishments
3. In eye clinics to perform post-operation corrections and training the eye
functions.
In Latvia there are about a hundred optics shops, from these a half are located in
Riga. The numbers of optics shops are expected to grow considerably. In most
of these shops there are no specialists in optometry. Among the opticians the
level of specialized education is also low. Market analysis suggests that in the
optics shops the demand for optometrists must be considerable. Moreover, in the
eye hospitals there is need for optometry specialists.
From the 11 first graduates ten work as practising optometrists, one graduate
works in an organization concerned with eye care. Most of the graduates work in
the company LU Optometry Centre.
16
INSTITUTIONS AND ACADEMIC PERSONENEL OF THE UL ,
WHICH PARTCIPATE IN THE STUDY PROGRAMS
CURRENT STATUS
The professional study program in optometry is implemented by the academic
staff of the Optometry Department in cooperation with the LU Optometry
Center and Pediatric Vision Center of the Republic.
In academic year 2000/2001 the academic staff of the Optometry Department
numbers 10 persons. There are 8.5 staff units for the pedagogical personnel. The
main base for practice is at the Optometry Centre of the LU staffed by highly
professional physicians- ophthalmologists specialised in optometry guide and
supervises the practising students at their work.
Academic Staff of Optometry visions science Department
Staff member
Apsite Lilita
Position
lecturer
Academic degree Field of interest
Medical doctor
Low vision
Balgalve Anda
assistant
Cikmacs Peteris
as.prof.
Dzenis Janis
as.prof.
M Sc., optometry Binocular
vision,
contact lenses
Dr. phys.
Instruments
in
optometry
Dr. phys.
Computer science
Grabovskis
Vitolds
Hercoga Ildze
as.prof.
Dr. phys.
as.prof.
Dr. med.
Lacis Ivars
professo
r
as.prof.
Dr. habil. Phys.
lecturer
Medical doctor
Ozolinsh Maris
Purvina
Skaidrite
Dr. habil. Phys.
Optical
materials,
optics
Refraction of the eye
Another employment
Optometry Center of
UL
Optometry Center of
UL
Optometry Center of
UL
Optometry Center of
UL
Optometry Center of
UL
Optometry Center of
UL
Prorector for research
Ophthalmic optics,
stereopsis
Laser
optics, Institute of Solid
binocular vision
State Physics
Eye diseases
Riga 7th Clinics
The rest of programs “Faculty” is formed from 3 professors
(Dr.habil.med.A.Zilevica, Dr.habil.biol. J.Aivars, Dr.habil.phys. I.Tale),
associated professor working part of the time (Ph.D. O. Franzen), and 2
associated professors (Dr.mat. J.Buls, Dr.biol. G.Praulite).
17
Required activities

Encourage specialists in designing new teaching aids by providing special
funds.

Increase the extent of practice in medical establishments. e.g. at the Pediatric
Vision Centre of the Republic and elsewhere.
18
PROGRAMS OF COOPERATION
CURRENT STATUS
The programme lacks regular institutionalised international cooperation. Links
have been established with higher schools or departments in Sweden, Norway,
Finland, Germany, Great Britain and the USA. Cooperation is upheld
individually, individual teachers establishing and keeping up contacts. Such
cooperation results in joint projects, publications, exchange visits and visiting
lectures. This contributes to qualification raising of the teaching staff and, in the
case of visiting lecturers, is of great benefit to the students.. Thus, for example,
in academic year 1998/00 professors Ove Franzen from Sweden, Sergio Villani
from Italy and Kenneth J.Ciuffreda from United States delivered several lecture
courses.. Several teachers are ready to avail themselves of the existing contacts
and to develop new ones. in order to extend regular cooperation and exchange
programmes and involve students in them. Attracting and involving of new
enterprising researchers in the Department work will bring about an essential
turning point.
Required activities

Extend and perfect cooperation with Western and Central-European higher
schools and programmes, making use for this purpose of contacts established by
individual teachers.

To look in West- and Central-European higher schools and departments for
partners who might be prepared for cooperation projects, based on parity
principles and submit them to would be funding organizations.
Develop cooperation, which would involve students, to enable each capable and
motivated student to go on an exchange visit to universities abroad.
19
MATERIAL BASIS AND FUNDING FOR THE STUDIES
CURRENT STATUS
In 1999 there were three main income sources which totally gave Ls48 800:
1. the state budget grant for education - Ls 28900
2. Contracts -Ls 11700, students - Ls 5 400;
3. LZP grants - Ls 2 800.
Basic capital: optometric and ophthalmic devices, copying technique,
computers, books, make together. - Ls 94 000.
Tuition fee in optometry profesional program is 600 Ls.
The material-technical basis for the professional studies of optometry supplied
by the material-technical basis of the Optometry Department supplemented by
contracts concluded with the Optometry Center and the Pediatric Vision Center
of the Republic.
The Optometry Department is accommodated in the Solid State Physics Institute
occupying an area of 620 m2 .. Classes are held in the Institute’s lecture rooms
and the library. Hardware for supplementary studies is supplied by 14 computers
linked to the Internet, a copier, 5 kodoscopes. There is not a sufficient number
of computers. Both students and lecturers use the available computers. In the
computer room there are 8 working places. The students can access the
computer room from 8 a.m. till 10 p.m..
The students can use the library of the Department .The Institute also has a
reading-room with 15 working places. The Department library offers 850 units.
The Institute’s book funds number 74000 units. The students can also avail
themselves of the Academic Library of the LU and of the National Library.
Several laboratories are arranged in the Department: Optometric materials,
Refractive defects of vision, Contact Lenses, Vision physiology, Psychophysics,
Eye-glass technology, Optometric instrumentation, Physiological optics.
According to contract the Department makes use of outpatients’ departments
and the appliances of the Optometry Centre of the LU.
20
Required activities
The Optometric instrumentation laboratory has to be supplied with up-to-date
appliances, with several sets of instruments;
Eye pathology cases are to be computerized in files.
21
RESEARCH WORK OF THE PERSONNEL AND STUDENTS
CURRENT STATUS
The professional study program in optometry does not provide for doing
scientific research. It is oriented to deepening and perfecting practical
knowledge and skills. At the same time, work in the vision correction rooms and
examining vision functions, the students are induced to collect data and to
analyze these. Taking part in seminars on vision problems is an obligatory
requirement. This helps to enlighten and perfect the optometrists professionally.
However, scientific research work is being carried out in the Optometry and
Vision Science Department, whose results are accessible also to students doing
the professional study programme in optometry. Given below are the scientific
themes, working on which are the pedagogues engaged in the professional study
programme in optometry.
Professor I. Lācis “ “Relaxation mechanisms in the ocular- motoric system and
anomalies in binocular vision.”
Assistent A. Balgalve “Formation of deposits on contact lens surfaces.”
Assistent-professor V. Grabovskis “Effect of the properties of eye-glass lens
materials on vision quality.”
Professor I. Vītols “Research into vision contrast.”
The teaching staff engaged in the programme organised international
conferences on optometry in 1992 and 1994 and participated in organising and
conducting the congress of Baltic ophthalmologists in 1998.
Fundamental investigations of the vision mechanism, applied studies of current
problems in ophthalmic optics in Latvia as well as clinical studies
are carried out in the Optometry and Vision Science Department. The
Department is orientated on the realization of interdisciplinary projects that use
the University’s historic potential in physics and in which a subject nontraumatic technique is used to measure objectively the response caused by the
vision sensations. We try to achieve this integration” by combining
technological branches and those of natural sciences with the clinical experience
22
in primary vision and eye care. The themes investigated by the staff and students
are the following: “basic mechanisms” of vision perception, vision care and
clinical practice, vision physiology (binocular vision, vengeance, phoryas,
specialized instruments and production of clinical tests, pathologies caused by
the properties of contact lens materials. We have also turned to the fundamental
problems of vision perception. Our interests are focused on the introduction of
the latest achievements of vision science in the subjects of the optometry study
program and clinical laboratories. The acquired knowledge has been
successfully used in the further education of future doctors in Latvia.
During the last four years almost all the representatives of the academic staff
have changed the direction of their investigations. In 1996 we received the first
LZP grant in vision science for the theme “Relaxation Mechanisms of the
Oculo-Motoric Mechanisms and Anomalies of Binocular Vision”. There is a
well-established cooperation with firms, such as the Optometry Center of
University of Latvia. The main scientific investigations are being realized in the
following fields:
OPTICS AND VISION PSYCHOPHYSICS
- Characteristics of objective measurements of the physiological processes of
vision perception (I. Vitols, A.Balgalve, G.Papelba, I.Lacis, J.Fridrihsons).
- Optometric instruments and tests (P.Cikmach, V.Grabovskis).
- Ophthalmic lenses and contact lens materials (V.Grabovskis, J.Dzenis,
J.Sakars,).
- Binocular vision functions (I.Hercoga, A.Balgalve, G.Papelba, M.Ozolinsh,
I.Lacis).
- Methods of measurement of light scattered in the eye and reflected from it (M.
Ozolinsh, I. Lacis).
VISION PHYSIOLOGY
- Contrast vision perception, adaptation (J.Fridrihsons, T.Masinska, L.Apsite).
- Hyperperaquity (J.Dzenis).
23
CLINICAL OPTOMETRY
- Topography of Cornea (A.Balgalve, P.Cikmach, M.Zuppardo).
- Retinopathy of the new-born, diabetic retinopathy (I.Hercoga, A.Svede,
S.Valeina).
- Rehabilitation of cornea hypoxy caused by contact lenses (A.Balgalve,
U.Epnere).
- Accommodation and convergence (I.Hercoga, A.Balgalve, G.Papelba, I.Lacis).
- Optical correction of low vision (L.Apsite, V.Grabovskis)
- Glaucoma and vision functions (S.Purvina, T.Masinska).
24
COMPARISON WITH THE STUDY PROGRAMS IN OTHER
COUNTRIES
CURRENT STATUS
Professional study programmes of optometry are to be viewed in a complex with
the B.A. and M.A. study programmes. The professional study programme in
optometry concludes a study block that enables the specialist to successfully
work in the optometrist’s profession.
The present study program resembles analogous study programmes in England,
Ireland and the USA, account being taken of Latvia peculiarities under
conditions of transition. The Magistrate study programme of the LU (started on
in 1993) in optometry was the first study programme of this kind in mainland
Europe. Currently, Bachelor and Master study programmes are being conducted
in Sweden (Royal Institute), Poland (Wroclav University, underway to academic
education in optometry is also Norway (Optometry School at Kongsberg),
Finland (Olu Polytechnic Institute), France and even Germany. In Lithuania and
Estonia no optometry study programmes at university level are available as yet.
At the University of Latvia the study programmes were developed, based on
the USA “Doctor of Optometry”) e.g. Pennsylvania College of Optometry)) and
on England” s BSc. and MSc. programmes, e.g. at the University of London).
At the University of Latvia the BSc. programme largely coincides with that for
MSc., the bachelor programme in England. Work is being carried on at
developing such a version of standardised BSc, MSc and professional study
programme as would ensure a successful start for the graduates from optometry
studies in tackling the examinations for the European Diploma in Optometry.
The greatest difference from the optometry programmes in England lies in the
fact that there in analogous programmes the academic studies extend over 6
terms and there disciplines of natural science do not carry so great a weight. In
England students can make their way to taking professional examinations in
optometry in four years (in Latvia they take five years). The professional
programme in optometry resembles the programme for the year of admission
25
(registration), upon the completion of which the examination for professional
qualification is taken.
26
STUDENTS POINT OF VIEW ON THE QUALITY OF STUDIES.
The self-appraisal report must be looked upon together with the self appraisal report
of Optometry Bachelor and Master study programmes as the programme is based on
the knowledge acquired in the programmes and the same laboratories, study materials
are engaged.
It was rather complicated to question the students as in 2000/2001 the students were
not admitted in the programme and in 1999/2000 only 4 students were studying. The
first graduates were questioned about the quality of offered study subjects. The results
proved that the highest evaluation was given to clinical diagnostic methods and the
application of optometrical instruments in the diagnostics of vision processes.
Students suggested more consultative classes in the optometry office during the course
of clinical practice. In general the students references were positive (see students
references).
CONCLUSION
The self-evaluation report gives the analysis of the optometry bachelor and master
programs and remarks needed to take into count to obtain improvement and efficiency
of education process. Some changes are already done, however further measures
should be applied within a longer time scale according to the actual situation.
27
Appendix No.1
Professional Programme Study Plan in Optometry
Semester 1
Part A
Nr. Courses
Lecturer
Credits
1.
General medicine
Prof.N.Andrejevs
4
Form of
Control
exam
2.
3.
Clinical Diagnosis methods I
Clinical Diagnostic Methods II
Lect.S.Purvina
Lect I.Hercoga
2
3 credits
exam
exam
Lect A.Balgalve
Lect I.Hercoga
Lect L.Apsīte
6 credits
2 credits
2 credits
test
test
test
Clinical practure
1.
2.
3.
Examination and Correction of Refraction
Examination of Binocular functions
Examination of the Anterior part of the Eye
Part B Optional Courses
N
Course
o
1. Low Vision
3. Clinical diagnostics and Treatment of
Squinting
Lecturer
Credits
Lect L.Apsīte
Lect I.Hercoga
2 credits
4 credits
Lecturer
Credits
Form of
Control
exam
exam
Semester 2
Part A
N
o
Course
Form of
Control
General and Clinical Courses
1.
2.
3.
4.
First Medical Aid
Clinical Diagnostic Methods III
Clinical Diagnostic Methods IV
Contact correction
Prof N.Andrejevs
Lect S.Purviņa
Lect I.Hercoga
Lect A.Balgalve
1 credits
3 credits
2 credits
2 credits
exam
exam
exam
exam
Lect I.Hercoga
Lect A.Balgalve
3 credits
3 credits
test
test
Clinical practure
1.
2.
Refraction examination and correction
Contact correction
28
Part B Optional Courses
N
Course
o
1. Application of Optometric Instruments in
Vision
2. Problems in Optometry
3.
4.
Pharmacology
Business Management in Optometry
29
Lecturer
Credits
Ass.prof
V.Grabovskis
Prof. I.Lācis
Ass.prof
V.Grabovskis
Lect S.Purviņa
Ass.prof
V.Grabovskis
3 credits
Form of
Control
test
2 credits
test
4 credits
2 credits
exam
exam
Appendix No.2
Course descriptions
1. Title of the study course: Methods of clinical diagnostics I
Course code: Medicine.
The course is included in professional study programmes of optometry, Part A.
Author of course : assist.prof. Ildze Hercoga.
Credit points: 2.
Course precis: The major task of the course is to acquaint the audience with the
anatomical and physiological peculiarities of infant visual organ. Dealt with are
examination of infant visual organ, peculiarities of refraction and the binocular
system. The listeners acquire the disease ethiology of the anterior segment of the
infant eye, the pathogenesis, diagnostics and the principles underlying its treatment.
The course contains analysis of the most frequently encountered causes of infant
blindness and of low vision, namely, cataract and retinopathy.
Course contents:
1. Anatomy and physiology of the infant vision organ.
2. Peculiarities of the examination of the infant visual organ.
3. Eye-lid pathology.
4. Pathology of tear canals.
5. Orbit diseases. Exothalm.
6. Conjunctiva. Differential diagnostics, symptomatics.
7. Cornea diseases.
8. Dermal diseases, also including pathology of infant visual organ.
9. Congenital glaucoma and its diagnostics.
10. Morphology and treatment of congenital cataract. Differential-diagnostics of
leukoria.
11. Retinoblasthoma
12. Retinopathy of prematurely borns
13. Low infant vision, infant blindness, their causes,
Requirements towards obtaining the credit score: 20 hours of lectures attended;
independent work : 12 hours.
Course assessment form : examination.
Pre-condition for the course mastery: Anatomy and physiology of the organ of vision.
Examination of the organ of vision, of refraction and the binocular functions.
Literature:
1. Kenneth W. Wright. Pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus. Mosby 1995.
2. Joseph Lang. Strabismus. Mosby. 1995.
3. 3. Infant vision. Oxford Science publications. Edited by F. Vitol - Durand, J.
Atkinson and Oliver j. Braddick, Oxford University, 1996.
The course was approved: on January 20, 1998 at the sitting of the Optometry and
Vision Science Department, Minutes No. 3./98.
30
2. Title of the course: Methods of clinical diagnostics II
Course code: Medicine.
The course is included: in the Optometry professional study programme, PartA.
Autho1r of the course: assistant –prof. Ildze Hercoga.
Course creditpoints: 3.
Course precis: The main objective of the course is to acquaint the students of the
optometry professional study programme with the most frequently encountered
pathologies (anomalies) of the posterior segment of infant visual organ, their
diagnostics and the basic principles of their treatment. The course provides
knowledge changes occurring in the visual organ in the case of illnesses sustained
by the overall system. Deepened is knowledge on atypical forms of strabismus and
attention is paid to particular questions of infant neuroophthalmology.
Course contents:
1. Infant (Pediatric) uveitis. classification, clinical forms.
2. Posterior uveitis at children’s age. Pediatric infections accompanied by ocular
symptomatics.
3. Retina pathology(anomalies) at children’s age.
4.Pathology of the optic nerve at children’s age.
5.Ophthalmological symptoms with children in case of system illnesses.
6. Preventive check-up of infant visual organ, its purpose, methods.
7.Diagnostics of ambliopia and strabismus, basic principles preventive treatment and
treatment
1. Atypical cases of strabismus, diagnostics, treatment.
2. Some aspects of neuroophthalmology at children’s age, nistagma, piosis, diplopia.
Requirements for scoring credit points: 20 hours of lecture attendance, 12 hours of
independent work.
Check-up form of the course: examination.
Prerequisites for the course mastery: Anatomy and physiology of the visual organ.
Examination of the visual organ and of the refractive and binocular functions.
Literature:
1. Kenneth Wright. Pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus. Mosby 1995.
2. Joseph Lang. Strabismus. Mosby 1995.
3. Infant vision. Oxford Science publications. Edited by F.Vitol-Durand. J.Atkinson
and Offices.
4. J. Braddick. Oxford University, 1996.
The course was approved and confirmed at 20th January 1998 sitting of the Optometry
and vision science department, minutes No. 3/98.
.
31
3 Title of the study course: Clinical Diagnostic Methods IV
Code: Medicine
Course is included: Professional Study Programme in Optometry Part A
Author of the course: lecturer S.Purvina
Credits: 2
ABSTRACT: Thorough studies of pathology in anterior segments of the eye in clinics
by means of biomicroscopy. Additional attention is paid to special examination
methods - ultrasonic, fluorescent, electrophysiological. Essential part of the course is
dedicated to the lens pathology and blood-vessel tract diseases of the eye, their
symptoms, diagnosis, principles of therapy.
CONTENTS:
1. Plan and sequence of examination of eye patients.
2. Biomicroscopy of anterior segments of the eye.
3. Biomicroscopy of posterior segments of the eye.
4. Tonometry, gonioscopy.
5. Characteristics of additional clinical methods of examination (ultrasonic,
fluorescent electrophysiological, ...), their significance in diagnosis of eye diseases.
6. Keratitis - etiology, diagnosis, principles of therapy.
7. Distrophies of the cornea, degenerations.
8. Consequences of cornea diseases and principles of treatment.. Types of indication
of cornea transplantation.
9. Syndrome of the dry eye, diagnosis, symptoms, principles of therapy.
1o. Diseases of the sclera.
11. Lens pathology in adults, diagnosis, symptoms.
12. Cataract surgery nowadays, types of operations, complications.
13. Anterior uveitis - etiology, diagnosis, principles of therapy.
14. Posterior uveitis - etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, principles of therapy.
DEMANDS TO OBTAIN CREDITS: lectures - 2O hours, independent work 12
hours.
FORM OF CONTROL: examination.
NECESSARY CONDITIONS TO MASTER THE COURSE: Anatomy of the eye.
Physiology of the eye. Eye diseases. Vision physiology.
LITERATURE
1.P.Kumar,M.Clrk.Clinical medicine.Mosby,1994.
2.Louis J.Primary care of the anterior segment.,Mosby,1988.
3.Larry J.Primary care of posterior segment.,Mosby,1994.
4.Chris J.Cakanac,Paul C.Ajamian.Cornea and conjuctiva:clinical
procedures.,Butterworth.,1995.
5.Adlers physiology of the eye.Edited by William H Hart.,Mosby Jear Book,1992.
6.Kathryn L.,McCance,Sue E.Huether.Pathophysiology.,The biologic basic for disease
in adults and children.Mosby,1994.,p.1577
THE COURSE IS CERTIFIED: Meeting of the Optometry and Vision Science
Department, January 20, I998, No. 3/ 98.
32
4.TITLE OF THE STUDY COURSE: Clinical Diagnostic Methods III
CODE: Medicine
COURSE IS INCLUDED: Professional Study Programme in Optometry Part A
AUTHOR OF THE COURSE: lecturer S.Purvina
CREDITS: 3
ABSTRACT: The aim of the course is to study glaucoma - symptoms, diagnosis and
basic principles of conservative treatment. Great attention is paid to symptoms of
pathology of posterior segments of the eye. Pathology of the retina in case of general
illness has been discussed. Students are introduced (theoretically and clinically) with
the eye traumatism, the classification of eye traumas. Optometry students are taught to
give the first aid in case of eye traumas.
CONTENTS:
1. Glaucoma - classification, diagnosis, characteristics of some types of glaucoma.
Acute glaucoma attack.
2. Principles of glaucoma therapy, types of separate therapies (conservative, surgical,
their characteristics.
3. Pathology of vitreous humour, the role of vitrectomy in its treatment.
4. Examination methods of the bottom of the eye, examination of the retina and optic
nerve in normal condition and general characteristics of
pathological states.
5. Disturbances of arterial blood circulation in retina and optic nerve symptoms, diagnosis, basic
principles of therapy.
6. Disturbances of venous blood circulation - symptoms, diagnosis, principles of
therapy.
7. Dystrophyof the peripheral part of retina.
8. Changes in the retina in case of general illness.
9.Dystrophy of the central part of retina in adults and its therapy.
10. Pathology of the eye in case of diabetes.
11. The optic nerve, atrophy of the optic nerve.
12. Eye traumas, their classification. Eye burns, first aid, the principles of further
therapy.
14. Contusions of the eye apple, perforating injuries, first aid, the principles of further
therapy.
DEMANDS TO OBTAIN CREDITS: lectures - 32 hours, independent work - 16 hours.
FORM OF CONTROL: examination.
NECESSARY CONDITIONS TO MASTER THE COURSE: Anatomy of the eye organ.
Physiology of the eye. Eye diseases. Examination of refraction and binocular functions.
LITERATURE.
1. Basic and Clinical science course. American Academy of Ophthalmology 1995.
2. I. Vaļkova, R. Lūkina. Acu slimības. 1984. Rīga, Zvaigzne, 1987, 270 lpp.
3. J. Kansky, Clinical ophthalmology. 1994.
4. Frank W. Newell. Ophthalmology. Principles and Concepts. 7 Ed., Mosby Year Book,
1992.
5. Adler`s physiology of the eye. Edited by M. Hart Jr., Mosby Year Book, 1992.
6. J. J. Kansky, Ken K. Nischal. Ophthalmology. Clinical Signs and Differential Diagnosis.
Mosby, 1999, 485 p.
THE COURSE IS CERTIFIED: Meeting of the Optometry and Vision Science Department,
January 20, 1998.
33
5. Title of the study course: Clinical practice: check-up on refraction and its
correction.
Course code: Medicine.
The course is included in the professional optometry study course.
Authors of the course: Lect.A.Baltgalve
Credit points: 6.
Length of course: 96 acad. hours.
The course objective: The course consolidates and widens students practical skills in
the correction of refraction anomalies. Special stress is laid upon peculiarities of
correction in different age groups - children, pupils, adults, computer users and old
people. Understanding on individually most suitable correction is formed.
Course contents:
Subjective and objective methods in determining vision acuity.
1. Examination of the vision field.
2. Adaptation and de-adaptation of the ocular optical system.
3. Correction of the ocular non-astigmatic refraction anomalies: afakia, presbiopy
and anisometropy.
5. Correction of the astigmatic refraction anomalies. Precisioning methods.
6. Prismatic correction, indications. Examination methods.
7.Checking out on the quality of ready- made eye glasses.
4. Peculiarities in correcting infant ametropia
5. Accommodation pathologies.
Requirements towards obtaining the credit score: practical skills in correcting
ametropias.
Examination of 90 patients.
Course evaluation form: a practical examination.
Precondition of the course mastery: mastery of courses on defects in vision refraction
and on binocular vision.
Literature :
1. K. Edwards, R. Llevellyn. Optometry. Butterworth, 1988.
2.K. E. Brookman. Refractive management of ametropia. Butterworths – Heineman,
1996.
3.D. Abrams, Duke- Elders. Practice of refraction. Churchill Livingstone 1993.
4. T. P. Grosvenor. Primary care optometry. Professional Press Books 1989.
THE COURSE IS CERTIFIED: Meeting of the Optometry and Vision Science
Department, January 20, 1998.
34
6.TITLE OF THE STUDY COURSE: CLINICAL PRACTICE:
EXAMINATION OF BINOCULAR FUNCTIONS
AUTHOR OF THE COURSE: Assistant Professor Dr.med.Ildze Hercoga, Professor
Dr.Hab.phys.Ivars Lacis
THE COURSE IS INCLUDED: professional optometry study programme
CREDITS: 2
LENGTH OF THE COURSE: 32 academic hours
ABSTRACT: in the course the students deepen theoretical knowledge on binocular
vision, its qualities acquired during the bachelor study programme. During practical
classes students master methods of examination of binocular functions, analyze the
obtained results, study the interconnection bwteen binocular functions and correction
of refraction anomalies.
CONTENTS:
1. Binocular vision, neurophysiological basis of its formation.
2. Sensory and motor fusion, their interconnections.
3. Diplopia, its compensatory mechanisms..
4. Anatomy of eye movement muscles, inervation, functions. Types of eye
movements.
5. Sensory examination, comparison of methods.
6. Methods of motor examination.
7. Diagnostics of heterophorias.
8. Diagnostics of strabismus.
9. Interconnections of binocular functions and corrections of refraction anomalies.
10. Binocular functions and correction of presbyopia.
11. Prismatic correction, indications and methods.
DEMANDS TO OBTAIN CREDITS: mastering of examination of binocular
functions andanalysis of results.
FORM OF CONTROL: practical examination
PREREQUISITES: Anatoy of the eye, physiology of vision, neurophysiology,
refractive defects of vision.
REFERENCES.
1. Arthur G. Bennet. Ronald B. Rabbelis. Clinical Visual Optics. Butterworths, 1987.
2. Vicki Bruce, Patric R. Green, Mark A. Georgeson. Visual Perception. 3rd Edition,
Psychology Press, 1987.
3. Optometry, Ed. by K. Edwards, R. Llevelin. Butterworths, 1988.
4.David Pickwell. Binocular Vision Anomalies, Butterworths, 1986.
5.David Stidwid. Ortoptic Assestment and Management.Blackwell science,1998
6.Fiona J.Rowe. Clinical Orthoptic. Blackwell science ,1997
THE COURSE IS CERTIFIED: Meeting of the Optometry and Vision Science
Department, January 20, 1998.
35
7.Title of
study course: Clinical practice : examination of the anterior segment of the
eye and disease diagnostics.
Course code: Medicine.
The course is included in professional optometry study programme.
Authors of the course: Lect.L.Apsīte
Credit points: 2.
Course length: 32 acad. hours.
The course objectives: The objective of the course is to consolidate the olready
mastered skills in the examination of the anterior part of an eye and to master
additional examination methods. Students are trained to make notes and analyze the
examination results. Skills to recognise pathologies in the anterior part of an eye are
consolidatet and improved.
Course contents
1. Focal illumination.
2. Eye-lid positions, assessment of the free rims of eye-lashes, the skin and the
conjunctiva.
3. Tear points, location of tear bag areas. Permeability of tear canals.
4. Position of the eyeball in the socket, its mobility.
5. Transparence of the cornea, its thickness, brightness and sensitivity.
6. Depth and content of the anterior segment. Corner of the anterior segment.
7. The iris, its graphic representation. The pupil.
8. Trans-mirroring. assessment of the lucid environment of the eye.
Requirements towards the credit score: practical skills in examining the anterior segment of the
eye.
Evaluation form for the course: practical examination.
Pre-condition for the course mastery: mastery of courses on the eye anatomy and
on ocular diseases.
Literature:
1. Jack J. Kanski. Clinical ophthalmology. Butterworths – Heineman, 1996.
2. J. Cakanac. Cornea and conjunctiva; clinical procedures. Butterworths –
Heineman, 1996.
3. Louis J. Catania. Primary care of anterior segment.
THE COURSE IS CERTIFIED: Meeting of the Optometry and Vision Science
Department, January 20, 1998.
36
8. Title of the study course: Remediation and management of low vision.
Course code: Medicine.
The course is included in Part B of the professional study programme in optometry.
Course author : lecturer L. Apsīte
Credit points: 2.
Course precis: The course sets the task of acquainting the students with the causes of
low vision and the possibilities of rehabilitating the patient. During the course the
students are to master the patients’examination methods, the means of correcting low
vision (optical, non-optical) and their application, laying emphasis on the low vision
causes and on the age of the patients.
Course contents:
1. Causes of low vision: congenital, acquired.
2. Classification of low vision: according to acuity, according to changes in the
vision field.
3. The plan and methods of examining low-vision cases.
4. Equipment and special tests for examining low- vision cases, for refraction and
vision acuity check-ups of adults and children, for examining the vision field , for
assessing the sense of colour and contrast discernment.
3. Indications of low vision correction means.
4. Low vision correction means, their advantages and disadvantages. Optical: eyeglasses, magnifiers, telescopes, optical filters, electronic auxiliary devices,
Prisms, non-optic bars, books of special type(print). Supports, illumination,
acoustic(sound) and vibration devices.
7. Correction of a low-vision case and training in uses of the chosen corrective
means: for vision in distance, near vision; expanding the vision field
8.Pedagogical rehabilitation of low-vision cases.
Requirements for obtaining the credit points: 32 hours of lecture attendance.
Check-up form on the course: examination.
Prerequisites for the course: Anatomy of the visual organ, optometric instrumentation
ophthalmic optics, general psychology.
Literature:
1. T.P Grosvenor. Primary care optometry. Mosby, 1981.
2.A.G. Bennet, L.B.Rabbets. Clinical visual optics. Butterworths, 1989, p. 529.
3.A.T. Dowie. Management and practice of low vision acuity. 1989, p.139.
4.P.B. Freeman, R.T. Jose. The art and practice of low vision., Butterworths, 1991.
5.E.B. Mehr, A.N.Freid. Low vision care. 1975.
6.Ophthalmology clinics of North America, vol.7., No.2, June 1994.
5. Paul B. Freeman., Randali T. Jose. The art and practice of low vision, 1991.
6. Roy.G.Cole, Bruce P. Rosenthal. Remediation and management of low vision.
Mosby, 1996.
The course was approved at the 26th January 1998 sitting of the Optometry and Vision
Science Department, minutes No. 3/98.
37
9.TITLE OF THE STUDY COURSE: CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS OF
STRABISMUS AND ITS TREATMENT
AUTHOR OF THE COURSE: Assistant Professor I.Hercoga
COURSE CODE: medicine
COURSE IS INCLUDED: optometry professional study programme
CREDITS: 4
ABSTRACT: during the course students thoroughly master
- diagnostics of strabismus diagnostics of separate clinical forms of strabismus
included, ways of treatment,
- early diagnostics and methods of treatment of amblyopia,
- differential diagnostics of non-paralytic and paralytic strabismus,
- causes of nystagmus, classififcation and treatment,
- methods of treatment of strabismus - optical correction, orthoptics and surgical
treatment, their application in different age groups.
CONTENTS:
1. Anatomy an eye movement apparatus.
2. Inervation of eye movements. Types of eye movements.
3. Etiology of strabismus, pathogenesis.
4. Diagnostics of strabismus - sensory and motor examination.
5. Clinical forms of strabismus, classification:
- esotropis, its forms
- exotropia, its forms
6. Methods of treatment of strabismus.
7. Amblyopia, its treatment.
8. Nystagmus.
9. Paralytic strabismus.
DEMANDS TO OBTAIN CREDITS: lecture hours
FORM OF CONTROL: exam in writing
PREREQUISITES: Anatomy of the eye, physiology of vision, refractive defects of
vision, practically mastered examination of binocular functions.
REFERENCES
1. John A. Pratt. Johnson. Management of strabismus and ambliopia. 1994.
2. Basic and clinical science course. 1994 – 1995. American Academy of
Ophthalmology, section 6.
3. K. Edwards, R.Liewelly. Optometry. Butterworths, 1988.
4. Joseph Lang. Strabismus. 1995,
5.H. Kaufmann. Strabismus. 1995.
5.David Stidwid. Ortoptic Assestment and Management.Blackwell science,1998
6.Fiona J.Rowe. Clinical Orthoptic. Blackwell science ,1997.
THE COURSE IS CERTIFIED: Meeting of the Optometry and Vision Science
Department, January 20, 1998.
38
10. Title of course: General health care and first aid.
Course code: medicine.
The course is included in: the optometry professional study program.
Author of course: Professor Dr. med. Nikolajs Andrejevs
Credit points : 4.
__________________________________________________
Course objective: to provide basic knowledge on general health care. To provide
knowledge necessary for diagnosing in emergencies and in rendering first aid.
Course contents:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Emergencies.
Principles underlying diagnostics.
Reanimation.
Blood circulation disturbances and first aid.
Heart complaints.
Diabetes.
Health protection system and organisation.
Place of primary health care in health care.
Requirements for obtaining the credit score: attendance of lecture hours.
Course evaluation form: written examination.
Preconditions for mastering the course: Human anatomy and physiology, medical
deonthology.
Literature:
7. M. Stanhope, G. Lancaster. Community health nursing. Mosby., 1988.
8. Ellen Richter Ettinger. Professional communications in eye care,
Butterworthm 1994.
9. The LR medical Law. (in Latvian) 1997.
Second level study syllabus in catastrophe medicine
THE COURSE IS CERTIFIED: Meeting of the Optometry and Vision Science
Department, January 20, 1998.
39
11. TITLE OF THE COURSE: Contactcorrection.
CODE OF THE COURSE: Optometry.
THE COURSE IS INCLUDED: Professional Study Programme in Optometry, Part A
AUTHORS OF THE COURSE: Prof.Dr.hab.Phys.Ivars Lacis
Lecturer M Sc.Anda Balgalve
LENGTH OF THE COURSE: 32 academic hours
ABSTRACT: The aim of the course is to consolidate and to deepen the knowledge in
practical application of contact correction. Another goal of the course is to widen the
students understanding about the physiological reactions of the eye - such as the dry
eye syndrom, changes in the eyelid conjunctiva, changes in the cornea epithelium and
stroma, and how to apply contact correction. The course guarantees students
understanding about the individually most suitable contact lenses and their treatment
for each patient.
CONTENTS:
1. Gradation of changes in anterior segments of the eye.
2. Allergic changes in the conjunctiva of the upper lid.
3. Endothelic changes in contact lens wearers.
4. Refractive surgery and contact correction.
5. Possible corrections of presbyopia using contact lenses.
6. Application of aspheric solid gas transparent contact lenses.
7. Methods of evaluation of a tear film and significance in contact correction.
8. Advantages and disadvantages of contact lenses.
9. Disposable contact lenses.
10. Demands to daily used contact lens materials.
11. Recent conclusions in contact lens treatment.
12. Choice and application of toric contact lenses.
DEMANDS TO OBTAIN CREDITS: 32 lecture hours.
FORM OF CONTROL: examination in writing.
CONDITIONS TO MASTER THE COURSE: knowledge of vision refractive defects
and contact lens courses.
Literature.
1. R. Fletcher, Contact lens practice. Oxford, 1994.
2. A. Gasson, The Contact lens Manual, 1998.
J. Phillips, Contact lenses, 1997.
THE COURSE IS CERTIFIED: Meeting of the Optometry and Vision Science
Department, January 20, 1998.
40
12. Title of study course:Clinical practice : contact correction.
Course code: Medicine.
The course is included in: Professional optometry study programme. Part A.
Authors of the course: Professor hab. Phys, Ivars Lācis
Lecturer M.D. Anda Balgalve.
Credit points: 3.
The course objectives:
correction.
to consolidate the students’practical skills in contact
Course contents:
1. Assessment methods of tear film quality.
2. Adjustment and assessment of soft contact lenses.
3. Means and ways of soft contact lens care.
4. Adjustment and assessment of permeable solid gas contact lenses.
5. Principles of averting contact - correction - related complications.
6. Rehabilitation of the cornea deformed as a result from lengthy usage of hard
PMMA contact lenses.
7. Cerato conus – diagnostics and contact correction.
Requirements towards obtaining the credit score: practical skills in contact
correction.
Form of assessment of the course mastery: practical examination.
Preconditions for mastering the course: acquired courses on vision refraction defects
and contact lenses.
Literature:
1.R. Fletcher, L. Lupelli, A. Rossi. Contact lens practice. Oxforf 1994.
2.M. B. Wilson, E. A. Millis. Contact lenses in ophthalmology. Butterworths. 1988.
3. R. B. Mandell. Contact lens practice. Basic and advanced. Charles C. Thomas
publisher, 1971.
4. A handbook of contact lens management. Vistakon, 1997.
5. N. A. Brennan, A. s. Bruce. Clinical contact lens management. Ciba vision group of
companies. !995.
THE COURSE IS CERTIFIED: Meeting of the Optometry and Vision Science
Department, January 20, 1998.
41
13.Course title: Uses of optometric instrumentation in clinical diagnostics.
Course code: Medicine.
The course is included in the professional study programme in optometry, Part A.
Author of the course: Vitolds Grabovskis
Credit score: 2.
Course precis: The course is intended for deepening the students’ knowledge of uses
of ophthalmic instruments and examination methods in clinical diagnostics.
Particular attention has been paid to correct application of several widely used
instruments and techniques and interpretation of clinical data, taking into account the
peculiarities of the instruments.
Course contents:
1.Methods for determining objective refraction. Infrared- ray-based refractometres.
Structure and specific features of up-to-date refractometres.
2. Static and dynamic retinoscopy. Particular retinoscopy techniques.
3.Ophthalmmetres and automatic keratometres. Specific features of the devices.
Devices for determining cornea topography. Clinical interpretation of data.
1. Applications of the biomicroscope in examining the anterior and the posterior
segments of the eye. Biomicroscopy techniques. Goniosscopy.
2. Static and kinetic perimetry. Computerized perimetres.
3. Examination of the vision field by means of static and kinetic perimetry. A
practical class.
4. Differently structured tonometres, their uses and interpretation of data.
5. Practical class in tonometry.
6. Photographic methods of examining the eye.
7. Fluorescent angiography.
8. Up-to-date ultrasound tonography-based devices for examining the eye.
9. Scanning laser ophthalmoscope.
10. Overview of the development of up-to-date ophthalmic devices.
Requirements for scoring the credit points: attendance of 232 hours of lectures,
laboratory classes: 6 hours.
Check-out form of the course: examination.
Prerequisites for mastering the course. optometry devices and instruments.
Literature:
1. B.B. Hensen Optometric instrumentation. Butterworths, 1991.
THE COURSE IS CERTIFIED: Meeting of the Optometry and Vision Science
Department, January 20, 1998.
42
14.TITLE OF THE STUDY COURSE: Pharmacology.
CODE OF THE COURSE: Medicine.
THE COURSE IS INCLUDED: Professional Study Programme in Optometry, Part B
AUTHOR OF THE COURSE: lecturer M.D.S.Purvina.
CREDITS: 4
LENGTH OF THE COURSE: 64 academic hours.
ABSTRACT: use of drugs in the office of an optometrist according to legislation .
CONTENTS:
1. Introduction.
2. Autonomous drugs.
3. Means of local anaesthesia.
4. Anti -inflammation agents.
5. Antibiotics.
6. Homeopathic drugs.
7. Dyes.
8. Hyperosmotic agents.
9. Tear substitutes.
10. Toksicology.
DEMANDS TO OBTAIN CREDITS: lecture hours - 48, seminars - 16 hours.
FORM OF CONTROL: examination in writing.
CONDITIONS TO MASTER THE COURSE: Physiology. Physiology of the eye. Eye
diseases.
LITERATURE.
1. Daniel H Albert, Frederick A. Jacobiec. Principles and practice of ophtalmology.
Basic science, W.B. Saunders company, 1994.
2. Frank W. Newell. Ophthalmology. Principles and concepts. 7-th. ed. Mosby Year
Book. 1994.
3.Indulis Purviņš. Praktiskā Farmokoloģija., Rīga, 1994.
THE COURSE IS CERTIFIED: Meeting of the Optometry and Vision Science
Department, January 20, 1998.
43
15. Title of the Study Course: Business Management in Optometry
Code of the Course: Optometry
The Course is Included in: Optometry Professional Study Programme, Part A
Author of the Course: Assistant Professor Dr.Phys.Vitolds Grabovskis
Credits: 2
Amount of the Course: 32 academic hours
Abstract of the Course: the course gives the knowledge about economic and financial
aspects of an optometry saloon, marketing problems and legislation. The aim is to
give the basic knowledge to the specialists which have decided to start their own
private business.
Contents of the Course:
1. Economic, juridical and professional problems in business management.
2. Micro and macro economic aspects in optometry business.
3. Business plans.
4. Planning in business management - accountancy and the analysis of financial
activities.
5. Types and foundation procedure of business companies. Tax system.
6. Marketing problems in optometry. Advertising, offered service and choice of goods.
7. Technical aspects in optometry business. Functionality of rooms, completion of
instruments. Application of Computers.
8. Business Conduction Problems. Choice of personnel, their motivation. Aspects of
work and legislation. Basis of administration. Labour contracts.
Demands to obtain credits: 32 academic lecture hours.
Form of Control: examination in writing.
The necessary prerequisites: basic courses in optometry.
Literature.
1. John G.Classe and other. Business aspects of optometry. Butterworth-Heinemann,
1997.
THE COURSE IS CERTIFIED: Meeting of the Optometry and Vision Science
Department, January 20, 1998.
44
Appendix No.3
FINAL TEST STRUCTURE IN HEALTH CARE AND OPTOMETRY
Theme
Questions, %
1. Ophthalmic Optics
6
2. Anatomy and Physiology of Eye
7
3. Low Vision Correction
5
4. Refraction
20
5. Eye Diseases
10
6. Peculiarities of Children Vision
5
7. Vision Peculiarities of Old People
5
8. Binocular Vision
15
9. Contactcorrection
9
10.Pharmacology
5
11.Ergonomics
3
12.First Medical Aid
3
13.General Questions of Medicine
4
14.Vision Perception
3
45
Appendix No.4
Examination module content.
46
47
Appendix 5. REFERENCES.
1. “OPTOMETRY CENTRE OF UNIVERSITY OF LATVIA” Ltd.
9 Martas Str., Riga,LV-1011, Latvia
Phone 7312731
REFERENCE on the quality of professional training of graduates of Department of
Optometry, Faculty of Physics and Mathematics, University of Latvia.
At present 13 optometrists that have obtained professional education in the
professional study programme of optometry at University of Latvia work in the
OPTOMETRY CENTRE of UNIVERSITY OF LATVIA. Part of these specialists
with larger practical experience already have their own regular patients.
Optometrists possess good practical knowledge, they have good command of
diagnostic methods concerning vision disorders, are able to work well with modern
equipment in the optometrist’s office. They can perform complicated corrections, they
know the contactcorrections well and they can manage special corrections for patients
employed under specific working conditions, as for example, computer operators,
drivers, etc. In their practical work they quickly acquire and apply in their everyday
work the most fashionable optical materials. They are as well interested in widening
their knowledge during the seminars and in other programmes connected with
optometry.
The weakest point of new specialists is the relationships between the optometrist and
the patient.. Quite often when the prescription is precise the patient is not
psychologically prepared for wearing the new glasses. It would be very good to
introduce a course in contact psychology. As optometrists sometimes have to work in
the shop as assistants knowledge in psychology of selling and marketing is of
importance.
Director
“OPTOMETRY CENTRE OF UNIVERSITY OF LATVIA”
I.BUTLERE
48
DEPARTMENT OF LASER OPHTHALMOLOGY
CLINIC OF OPHTHALMOLOGY P.STRADINS UNIVERSITY
REFERENCE ON PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMME IN OPTOMETRY
Modern vision care system includes a wide spectrum of specialists.The previous
vision care system was based on preventive work realized by eye doctors in
polyclinics and specialists in optics in optical shops. Thus the primary vision care was
separated from optical activities. The social factors having changed such a system
becomes economically unprofitable.
Modern vision care system is based on a system of optometric offices and primary
vision care is shifted over to optical shops. Thus the demands towards the specialists
in the optical shops are essentially different.So a cardinally new type of a specialist
with higher academic education - optometrist appears.
Bachelors in optometry educated at University of Latvia have acquired sufficiently
good academic education. Work with people also requires real professional skills
which could be obtained in special professional study programmes.
For full adaptation of present eye doctors to a new system professional training in
optometry is necessary taking into consideration that both the technological basis and
the methodology have qualitatively changed in comparison with the previous period.
By the professional programme in optometry at University of Latvia our vision care
system is brought closer to the standards adopted throughout the world. The contents
include all the necessary professional skills.
To my point of view the programme meets all the demands required to educate
specialists.It allows to acquire all the necessary practical skills. Its contents mastered
by the specialist ensures successful work in primary vision care.
In specific cases when we do not speak about primary vision care, such as laser
surgery and during the after operation period the knowledge of a specialist-optometrist
is highly essential as it allows to analyze the optometris aspects mathematically
precisely and choose the most appropriate optical solutions of existing problems.
I think that the professional programme in optometry is necessary and the programme
offered by the University of Latvia meets all the requirements.
Head of Department of Laser Ophthalmology
Clinical Hospital of P.Stradins University
I.LUKSA
March 7, 200I
49
“CIK-OPT”Ltd
Phone 3023329
Inga Mikelsone works in the firm “CIK-OPT” Ltd. since I995. Our firm deals with
vision correction, prescription, production and sale of medical glasses. Up to 1998
Inga worked as an assistant optometrist in addition to the studies at University of
Latvia.
Since 1998 Inga works as an optometrist. In her work she is very responsible and
highly professional. Personal characteristiscs and good professional knowledge have
broght her authority among the clients in a comparatively short period of time.
As an employer I am satisfied with Inga’s work, her attitude towards the clients and
her profession. She continues to follow the achievments in the field of optometry and
is always ready to share her professional knowledge with her colleagues.
Head of “CIK-OPT”
Dz.Cikmaca
October 25, 2ooo
50
REFERENCE ON PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMME IN OPTOMETRY AT
UNIVERSITY OF LATVIA
During the studies in the professional programme in optometry at University of Latvia
I extended my knowledge in clinical optometry. Courses in eye diseases delivered by
Dr.Hercoga and Dr.Purvina as well as the course in contactology delivered by Dr.A.
Balgalve were really good. During the programme I examined 200 patients very
extensively under the supervision of an experienced eye doctor. Each patient had his
or her own examination history that I filled in and these cards were checked by the
head of our practice.
I think that the programme sufficiently prepares for practical work in optometry on the
level of primary vision care.
It is advisable that classes are organized for a whole day as it is difficult to attend
evening classes during the work days.
Graduate of the Professional Study Programme in Optometry
University of Latvia
Study year 1999
Inga Mikelsone
51
May 24, 2OO1
REFERENCE ON THE PROFESSIONAL STUDY PROGRAMME IN
OPTOMETRY AT UNIVERSITY OF LATVIA
Studies in the professional programme of optometry and vision science can be divided
into theoretical and practical parts. The theoretical part gives extended, thorough
knowledge applicable in the practice and directed towards primary vision care paying
attention mainly to the correction of refractive defects with glasses and contact lenses
and recognition of eye diseases. All the lecturers were with large practical experience
in the field of vision care, therefore lectures were especially valuable and interesting. I
appreciate this part of the programme in general (lecture courses and lecturers). The
practical part included application of theoretical knowledge by practically correcting
the patients in one of the saloons of “PASAULES OPTIKA”. The practice was
supervised and practical help offered when necessary by a professional doctor optometrist of the given saloon. The result - 250 examined and corrected patients and
their filled in histories were analyzed by the lecturers of the Department. I think that
the number of patients - 250 is appropriate and sufficient for further independent work
of a professional optometrist.
In future I think it is worth to preserve and develop the existing highly professional
and valuable theoretical basis and to pay a little more attention to the organization of
practice. I think it would be wise to improve the work of students laboratory of optics
so that students can have easier access to the correction of patients under the guidance
of experienced lecturers-doctors, i.e.that each theoretically acquired theme can be
practically tested.
Graduate of th Professional Study Programme in Optometry
University of Latvia
Mareks Kairis
June 1999
52
REFERENCE ON PROFESSIONAL STUDY PROGRAMME IN
OPTOMETRY AT UNIVERSITY OF LATVIA
Duration of the programme - 1 academic year.
I would like to characterize some of the offered study courses.
EYE DISEASES. To my mind it was the best lecture course. The subject was divided
into two parts, children eye diseases and pathologies, and adults separately. The adult
course was delivered in Gailezers hospital where the theoretical part was
supplemented with observation of patients. As the lectures partly supplemented each
other it was much easier to memorize and understand.
CLINICAL PRACTICE. Very independent course as to the place and activities. The
observation of 250 patients made the studies of clinical problems more serious and
required the application of different instruments. The application of different
instruments was in turn offered by the course in CLINICAL INSTRUMENTS.
GENERAL MEDICINE. Incomplete course as only few system pathologies were
discussed.
The subject of first medical aid seemed very interesting. Except elementary
knowledge about life important processes valuable information about most frequent
diseases and traumas was given.
LOW VISION PROBLEMS were viewed from different aspects and many additional
materials made it easier to understand the theme.
GLASS TECHNOLOGY. I don’t think the subject should be included in the
professional programme. The theoretical part was not repeated, the students were
supposed to prepare for the final examination independently.As a result the knowledge
wasn’t extended.
CONTACT LENSES. Supplemented repetition from the bachelor programme. Much
information about new materials.
Graduate of the Professional Study Programme in Optometry
University of Latvia
Ingrida Kozlovska
53
Appendix No 6
Analogous Dtudy Programmes:
ECOO European Diploma in Optometry
54