Contact Lens Fitting and Work PlacementLaajuus (15 cr)

Objective

The student are able to
• Explains the terminology related to contact lenses and their use
• describe the characteristics of different contact lenses including materials (Dk, Dk / t, EOP, oxygen flux, ionic, water content), form factors and manufacturing, and uses
• describe and calculate the optical properties of contact lenses
• compare the differences in the correction wit contact lenses vs. spectacles
• describe the methods and results of the contact lenses fitting, as well as the significance of the results for the successfull use.
• describe the use of care products, content / ingredients
• describe the most important contact lens complications and treatments
• describe the basic features of special lenses (color, therapeutic, myopia control, scleral, miniscleral, toric RGP, orthokeratology, hybrid, contact lenses for children and babies)
SKILL
The student are able to
• take a history for contact lens fitting and evaluate the suitability of contact lenses
• evaluate the anterior part of the eye by microscopy for the use of contact lenses, including lid eversion and fluorescein examination
• evaluate the possibility of dry eye and provide care if necessary
• evaluate the shape of the cornea using keratometry and topography and calculate corneal astigmatism and residual astigmatism.
• use the contact lens devices safely and ergonomically
• insert the lenses (soft, corneal and miniscleral RGP) in one´s eye and remove them
• fit soft contact lenses including toric and multifocal lenses
• fit RGP spherical contact lenses in basic cases
• provide training for the first time user including hygiene considerations and the use of contact lens solutions
• carry out a follow-ups
• measure the basic parameters of the contact lens
• record the relevant information on the patient record clearly and write a prescription
• apply the legislation and recommendations in relation to contact lenses fitting and patient records
• search for information on lenses and studies on the area of contact lenses
CLINICAL EXAM
The students are able to
- use a microscope and various forms of illumination to examine the anterior part of the eye, and interpret and explain the findings.
- insert and remove the soft and the RGP lenses
- perform the lid eversion and fluorescein examination and evaluate corneal integrity

After work placement (5 ECTS), the students are able to make soft contact lens fittings for clients, guide them in the care products of contact lenses and tell about the use of contact lenses. They are able to guide the customer to the safe use of contact lens wearing. The students are able to perform eye examinations and analyze cases in a versatile manner.

Content

Observation and recognition of clinical signs, and techniques and skills including
Lens types and materials:
o Hard lenses
o Haptics
o Lathecut
o Moulded
o Spincast soft lenses
Optics of contact lenses:
o Curves
o Zones
o Widths and tear lens effects
o Sagittal depth
o Centre and edge thickness
o Flex
o Asphericity and toric designs
o Quadrantic specific designs
o Oblique geometrics with reverse curves
Theories and methods of fitting:
o Lens design
o Specifications of orders
o Lens verification and evaluation
o Insertion and removal techniques
o Design of waring schedules
o Fluorescein evalutation and fitting criteria
Patient selection based upon:
o History
o Analysis of primary care data
o Correlations of data
o Facial Physiognomy
o Contraindications
o Management based upon education
o Patient handling and control
The examination of a new prospective contact lens patient including
o History
o Anterior segment examination
o Measurement of anterior segment
Contact lens selection from presently available types and forms of lenses

Care of lenses:
o Handling
o Cleaning
o Preservatives available
o Disinfection methods
o Solutions
Follow-up care
o Adaptation
o Physiologic and post-fitting complications
o Allergic responses
o Lens changes
o Mechanical problems
Bifocal, mutlifocal and astigmatic contact lenses:
o Types
o Basis of selection and adaptation
o Techniques of fitting
Specially designed lenses and fitting procedures for:
o Keratoconus
o Irregular corneas
o Keratoplastic
o After refractive surgeries
o Sports vision
o Diseased and traumatic corneas
o Cosmetic (prosthetic) use
o Iris colour changes
o Amblyopia
o Colour vision deficiencies
Specially designed lenses and fitting procedures for orthokeratology
Fitting procedures for myopia control
Pediatric contact lens fitting
Parameter modification in theory and practice
Wavefront technology and contact lenses
Treatment and management of refractive/oculomotor/sensory integrative conditions using contact lenses
Pediatric contact lens fitting
Signs and symptoms of eye-related general disorders

Qualifications

Binocular Vision

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student is able to:
- display learning in professional knowledge and core content in the field
- search information from a variety of sources
- work in various duties in a variety of operating environments
- show that he has achieved the targets for core competence
- display learning in the key safety practices in the field
- act according to ethical principles
- to contribute his learning for the benefit of a group or project

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student is able to:
- use concepts and knowledge in his field systematically
- find information and assess and use information sources with a critical eye
- apply professional information in professional assignments
- apply professional expertise in various work assignments
- act independently and responsibly in professional contexts
- plan operations with safety in mind
- act according to professional ethics
- act purposefully in working groups and projects

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student is able to:
- use concepts and knowledge in his field professionally
- argue the use of his sources - argue a course of action on the basis of research information or findings
- operate in a range of duties and work situations, also in international contexts
- to act in a way that is customeroriented and displays entrepreneurial spirit
- to act responsibly, taking safety issues into consideration
- argue his choices on the basis of professional ethics
- organise and manage the operation of a group and project

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student is able to:
- display learning in professional knowledge and core content in the field
- search information from a variety of sources
- work in various duties in a variety of operating environments
- show that he has achieved the targets for core competence
- display learning in the key safety practices in the field
- act according to ethical principles
- to contribute his learning for the benefit of a group or project

Further information

The study programme (30 ects) is planned for one semester (4 months).

Information about tailored course for incoming exchange students:
SX00DS10 Contact Lens Fitting and Work Placement 10 cr (work placement 5 ects is not offered for exchange students)