Head of Department for Optometry

Optometry - UH-000363

UH-000363 - Optometry

Sandwich Year Out Optional

Sandwich Year Out

Honours Compulsory

Honours Core

Honours Optional

Honours Level

Intermediate Compulsory

Intermediate Core

Intermediate Optional

Intermediate Level

Foundation Compulsory

Foundation Core

Foundation Optional

Foundation Level

Structure

Diploma of Higher Education

Bachelor of Science

Certificate of Higher Education

Numeracy and problem solving skills, relating to qualitative and quantitative information

Independent study skills and reflective learning practices as preparation for continuing professional development

Have an in-depth understanding of normal and abnormal visual function in individuals requiring eye care across the age range; including assessment practice, evidence based diagnosis, management of ocular disease and abnormalities 

Contribute to the development of high quality healthcare through reflective practice, enquiry and innovation

Information retrieval, analysis and critical appraisal of published literature

Use appropriate health and care plans for individuals with ocular health issues including meeting occupational needs of the patient

Assess ocular structure and visual function in order to detect and diagnose abnormal conditions 

Understand the boundaries of the profession to make appropriate care decisions for patients in assessment, treatment, monitoring or referral to medical practice. 

Advise patients and others on the safe and effective use of spectacles, contact lenses and other ocular treatments

The ability to interact and communicate effectively with patients, public and healthcare professionals both orally and in writing across all social and ethnic groups

Explain the practice and context of Optometry as a healthcare profession

Explain how systemic diseases and their treatment regimens can affect the visual system 

Apply knowledge of physical, geometric and visual optics to the understanding of the mechanics, design and limitations of optical instruments (in assessment) and corrective devices such as spectacles, contact lenses of aids for low vision

Team-working across local and inter-professional teams

Professional attitudes and an ethical approach to practice

Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of the anatomical and physiological structure and function of the visual system

Understand the principles of visual perception and psychology and how these apply in a practice setting

Have detailed knowledge of ocular diseases, ocular pharmacology and the safe use of drugs in the treatment of ocular disease 

Demonstrate skills related to assessment of visual system functions and their correction including correction of errors of refraction and managing sensory and motor abnormalities of vision

Plan, design and carry out self-directed, original research investigations from problem recognition to evaluation and appraisal of results and findings, including the selection of appropriate techniques and procedures 

IT skills (‘office applications’ for information storage and communication)

Use appropriate ocular assessment techniques to support clinical detection and diagnosis

Acquisition, transformation, interpretation and clinical evaluation of data

The accurate and timely recording of information, consultations and interventions

Mechanisms for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, the curriculum and outcome standards
Module and Course reviews (student evaluations and staff reports)
Annual Evaluation Report prepared by the Course Leader and considered by Course Committee and School Annual Evaluation Committee.  The report is then fed up to University Teaching and Learning Committee.
Peer observation of teaching
External Examiners' reports and responses to these, are reported in the Course Annual Evaluation Report
School Accreditation and Validation Panel approves minor amendments to courses
Five-yearly School Reviews and Subject Reviews.
 
Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality and standards
Student Panel
Course Committee
School Teaching and Learning Committee
School Annual Evaluation Committee
School Accreditation and Validation Panel
School Board
Course Assessment Board - meets in June and July to consider marks, progression and awards
University Teaching and Learning Committee
Quality and Standards Advisory Group
 
Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of teaching and their learning experience
Student Panel and student representation on Course Committee
Student evaluation of modules and courses
 
Staff development priorities include
Staff annual appraisal and institutional staff development courses
Updating professional developments
Peer observation of teaching
Regular Course meetings and annual review and planning for subsequent academic year.

UH-000363

Reports of validation panels
Annual course reviews
Annual evaluation report
External examiners’ reports
Qualifications and experience of staff
 
Accreditation of the course is conducted by the GOC on an ongoing basis and this accreditation is the responsibility of the School of Applied Sciences and the Head of Optometry.
Independent review of the quality of educational provision in the School is conducted by the quality assurance processes listed above and ultimately by the Quality Assurance Agency.
 
For detail see also: University Quality Assurance Procedures for Taught Programmes.
<a href="https://www.hud.ac.uk/registry/regulationsandpolicies/qa/">https://www.hud.ac.uk/registry/regulationsandpolicies/qa/</a>
 
Please note:  This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the Programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.  More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in the study module guide(s) and course handbook.  The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed by the University and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.
 
Key sources of information about the course can be found in:
Student Handbook (Issued yearly)
University of Huddersfield Student Handbook of Regulations (issued yearly)
University of Huddersfield Prospectus (issued yearly)

Personal Academic and Year Tutors:
All students are assigned a personal academic tutor. In addition, a year tutor is available to be an early point of contact for students and students can access either according to their needs. The role of the year tutor / personal academic tutor in supporting students is of primary importance and regular meetings are timetabled. Students are encouraged to see their year tutor or personal academic tutor about any problems they have which do, or may, affect their ability to study and learn. The tutor keeps track of any serious on-going issues, but will respect student confidentiality. Students may see other staff about an issue if they feel more comfortable doing so. Students are encouraged to see module leaders if they have difficulty understanding material or with coursework within a module.
 
Students are also supported in their study and learning through the following activities and services at University, School and Course level.
 
<ul>
<li>Students attend an induction week at the start of their course, during which they are given information about the rules, regulations, practices and procedures of the University, professional expectations of their course and have their first meeting with their Personal Academic Tutor</li>
<li>Student Handbooks for the University, the Optometry course and individual module specifications</li>
<li>Student attendance is monitored in accordance with the University regulations. Attendance at all sessions is closely monitored and students who fail to attend regularly are contacted to ensure that there are no major problems being encountered</li>
<li>Access to the D2L Brightspace virtual learning environment</li>
<li>Reading list software with links to the library and a wide range of electronic books and resources</li>
<li>Access to hard copy of text books available in the University Library and Computing facilities, some of which are available 24 hours per day and for which induction is provided</li>
<li>Free copy of first year ‘Optometry’ textbook</li>
<li>Access to School-based academic skills tutors and student support and guidance officer</li>
<li>Access to the School Student Administration office for help with general issues e.g. timetabling, attendance monitoring, enrolment</li>
<li>School of Applied Sciences Student Hub which provides a range of services including printing and photocopying, help with computing problems, peer mentoring facilities, academic tutorial support, employability sessions and informal advice</li>
<li>Specialised computing laboratories</li>
<li>Student e-mail and easy access to teaching staff including the module leaders and the Course Leader</li>
<li>Access to student counsellors at the University of Huddersfield</li>
<li>Access to Student Services, which provides assistance and guidance with learning difficulties, disabilities as well as help with financial and other general matters</li>
<li>Access to support to aid with Extenuating Circumstances claims and the completion of the relevant forms</li>
<li>Access to the Students' Union Academic Affairs Officer</li>
<li>Student conciliation service</li>
<li>Accommodation Office and assistance with finding part-time work (Job Shop)</li>
<li>‘Student Panels’ on which student representatives give feedback to staff on delivery of modules</li>
<li>University disability advisers / services</li>
</ul>