Optometry: Optometry SXE25S2
Code: SXE25S2
- Degree title
- Optometrist
- Credits
- 210 ects
- Duration
- 3.5 years (210 ECTS)
- Start semester
- Autumn 2025
- Teaching language
- Finnish
Descriptions
The Optometry degree programme educates vision and eye care specialists who work mainly in the private sector of the health service, but also in the public health sector. An optometrist is a specialist in vision and vision care. The core competence of an optometrist is the examination of vision, including the evaluation of the health of the eye. They are an expert in providing a variety of eyecare solutions that meet the client's individual needs. They also fit contact lenses and low vision aids and sell, manufacture, service and fit spectacles. In addition to these, they manage the principles of working in different work environments and have the ability to meet a variety of people and their needs.
The optometrist is able to apply his/her own competence to the changing world of work. The aim of the education is to provide students with a diverse, international and collaborative learning environment in which to develop their professional skills. During the education, the student will develop a clear professional identity and ethics and the ability to work independently as part of Finnish and European vision care in cooperation with various actors in the field. Students will develop an interest in developing their own professional skills in working life and in acting as an assessor and developer in their own field. During the education, students will be able to develop their own skills in customer service and management positions in the business world.
The curriculum consists of 30 credits (0,5 years) of modules. The initial studies provide the knowledge and skills that will form the basis for the optometrist's professional development as a health care professional. After the initial studies, the student will be familiar with the function of the eye and the principles of ophthalmic optometry, as well as to the basics of pathology and pharmacology. Intermediate studies include contact lens fitting, research and development and innovation studies. The final phase of the studies focuses on ocular health and optional studies, which allow students to broaden their competence while working in a multidisciplinary team.
Professional studies include work-life training and practicals both inside and outside the educational institution. Internships are focused on the end of studies so that the student is able to carry out comprehensive eye examinations. The basic studies at the beginning support the student's knowledge acquisition and communication skills, as well as orient towards professionalism in the field of health care and optical professions. Methodological studies support critical thinking skills and the latter part of the innovation studies as well as thesis provide opportunities for interdisciplinary and innovative working together with working life. Entrepreneurship studies provide basic knowledge of business operations and management. Advanced studies in business can be taken as electives. Internationalisation is developed through Swedish and English language skills, in-house internationalisation activities and possible student exchanges.
The curriculum for the Optometrist (AMK) has been developed in line with the pan-European job description. It is expected that the work of optometrists in Finland will increasingly focus on eye examination procedures and that traditional spectacle making and sales work will decrease. The previous curriculum received European accreditation in spring 2024 and served as the basis for this curriculum. Innovation studies have been designed to closely support the development of the optometrist's competence. The themes of sustainability and the future are addressed both in professional studies and as a separate course of study. Digitalisation and artificial intelligence are also central to the future of optometry and are considered in studies both across the curriculum and as a separate entity.
Development
The curriculum development work has been based on meetings organised for representatives of working life, which were carried out in January 2024 - on the subject of competence related to eye examination and prescription of glasses and the development needs of teaching - and in January 2025, when the topic was the possible effects of changing legislation on the content of education. Representatives of associations and employers as well as specialists in the field were present at both meetings. Representatives of Metropolia UAS and teachers of substance were present, who also facilitated the workshop work of the meetings.
Further information
The curriculum is new and done on 31 January 2025.
In terms of content, the curriculum is based on the European accredited curriculum in the spring of 2024. Common courses have been copied from the curriculum SXE24S1. Accreditation requirements have been taken into account in this curriculum as closely as possible. The structure of the curriculum has been modified so that individual courses are divided into smaller parts, for example by separating the theoretical part and the practical exercises into separate courses. The changes in structure aim not only to clarify contents and aims for the student, but also to increase flexibility within the study modules.
The contents of U!REKA are their own, independent course of study. The contents of information security and artificial intelligence are in the Learning and Study Skills module. In addition, artificial intelligence and sustainable development are discussed from the perspective of optometry in the course: Digitalisation, artificial intelligence and a sustainable future in the work of an optometrist.
The person responsible for the curriculum is Johanna Valtanen.
The curriculum is maintained by Tiina Huuskonen, Coordinator.
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Due to the timing of optional and elective courses, credit accumulation per semester / academic year may vary.
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| Elective Studies |
| Swedish at Work |
| Elective Studies |
| Swedish at Work |
| Elective Studies |
| Swedish at Work |
| Elective Studies |
| Swedish at Work |
| Elective Studies |
| Swedish at Work |
| Not grouped |
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