Low Vision Patient and Elderly PeopleLaajuus (5 cr)

Objective

The student are able to
tell the following about a person whose vision cannot be significantly improved by using conventional spectacles or contact lenses. The goal is that the person can utilize the remaining vision using magnifying aids and imaging techniques: (1) definitions of low vision and blindness; (5) light and lighting, (6) peripheral vision aids, (7) eccentric viewing and "steady eye strategy", (8) environmental adaptation (9) clinical procedures (10) studies in subjects with severe visual impairment (11) ) use of complicated aids, eg telescopes mounted on eyeglass lenses (12) filter glasses
The student are able to tell
(1) Effects of aging on vision and ability to work, (2) Age-related changes in perception (not related to vision), (3) Eyelid correction in cases of aphakia and pseudo-phakia, (4) Psychological effects of vision loss, (5) Clinical management of ageing patients with multisensory loss (6) Assessment of the need for referral and consultation with other disciplines

SKILLS
The student able to
evaluate the vision of the visually impaired and the elderly
recommend vision aids for the visually impaired and the elderly

Content

Defining low vision and blindness:
Disorder, impairment, disability and handicap
WHO definitions
Evaluation of handicap for legal purposes (haittaluokat)
Low vision: Incidence and causes, prevalence
Measuring visual performance:
Acuity and contrast sensitivity
Glare and its effect
Reading
Methods of magnification:
Increasing object size
Decreasing viewing distance
Real image magnification
Telescopic magnification
Non-optical aids
Illumination and lighting
Aids for peripheral field
Eccentric viewing and “steady eye strategy”
Environmental modification and accessibility
Electronic devices and applications to aid vision
Ageing effects on vision and functioning:
Physiological changes - general and ocular physiology and functioning
Changes in vision
Visual acuity
Contrast sensitivity
Refractive error
Colour vision
Spectral transmission of the ocular media
Light sensitivity
Glare (disability and discomfort)
Dark adaptation, glare recovery
Visual fields
Critical flicker fusion frequency
Accommodation and convergence
Oculomotor system
Changes in perceptual function (non-visual) associated with ageing
Hearing
Coordination
Cognition
Social status
Clinical procedures and tests identifying changes in vision function of the ageing patient
Psychological effects of vision loss and management of patients with poor visual prognosis
Clinical management of ageing patients with multisensory loss
Assessment of the need for referral and consultation with other disciplines

Qualifications

Binocular Vision

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student is able to:

- apply professional knowledge in the field appropriately
- use concepts and information in his field systematically
- argue a course of action on the basis of research information and findings
- find information and argue the use of his sources
- work in various duties depending on the assignment
- define the principles of and requirements for his actions
- show that he has achieved the targets for core competence
- find out the safety instructions concerning a word assignments and to act accordingly
- act according to the relevant professional ethical principles
- plan and guide the operation of multidisciplinary groups
- communicate about professional issues

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student is able to:

- use concepts and knowledge in his field fluently and comprehensively
- assess and use information sources and research information with a critical eye
- apply research information to professional assignments
- operate in a range of work situations, also in international contexts
- act in a client- and customer-oriented way and as an entrepreneur
- act responsibly in work duties, taking safety issues into consideration
- evaluate actions from the viewpoint of professional ethics
- represent his professional field in multidisciplinary and international groups and projects

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student is able to:

- display a good understanding of professional information
- use theoretical and professional concepts and knowledge like an expert and combine them into larger entities
- create and communicate new information
- develop innovative and alternative solutions to professional assignments and problems
- apply professional expertise in new situations - take responsibility for a professional process in its entirety
- develop the community's safety and responsibility
- apply professional ethics in various situations
- manage the professional development of individuals/groups
- act purposefully and to develop himself and working life

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student is able to:

- apply professional knowledge in the field appropriately
- use concepts and information in his field systematically
- argue a course of action on the basis of research information and findings
- find information and argue the use of his sources
- work in various duties depending on the assignment
- define the principles of and requirements for his actions
- show that he has achieved the targets for core competence
- find out the safety instructions concerning a word assignments and to act accordingly
- act according to the relevant professional ethical principles
- plan and guide the operation of multidisciplinary groups
- communicate about professional issues