Work Placement in Optometric Practice (10 ECTS)

Objective

After the work placement (9 ECTS) students are able to perform standard eye examination and contact lens fitting and describe vision correction if needed. She/he is able to use diagnostic drugs safely manner. She/he is able to exam eyes to detect possible eye diseases, injuries and disorders and refer for further investigations and care if needed.

Clinical exam:
The ability to assess a patient’s colour vision and to determine whether it achieves the standards required by various vocational groups and whether there is a macular problem.
The ability to identify abnormal colour vision and to appreciate its significance.
The ability to make a judgement regarding referral and an understanding of referral pathways.
The ability to manage non-tolerance cases (including referral when appropriate).
The ability to assess the external eye and adnexa.
The ability to assess the tear film
The ability to assess and interpret visual fields of patients with normal, sub-optimal, or reduced visual acuity.
The ability to use non-contact and applanation tonometers to measure intraocular pressure and analyse and interpret the results

Content

Comprehencive eye examination
Contact lens fittings
Customer service
Product information

Location and time

Autumn Semester 2025 Department of Optometry

Teaching methods

Work placement
Patient eye examination in clinic
practical/clinical examinations
Written assignments; patient communication and contact lens fitting -case

Employer connections

work placement 9 ECTS including:
- 5 weeks in Optometric practice, 5 days in Village OPTICIAN and eye examinations in patient clinic
clinical competency assessment 1 ECTS

Exam schedules

Clinical competency assessment and two retakes in weeks 37 and 38. Screens 1-4 have two retake opportunities and the possibility to increase the approved one. Practical simulation screens 5-8 are done in optometry teaching facilities and the approved screen cannot be increased. Screens 5-8 will be repeated until they are successfully completed.

Student workload

5 weeks work placement in weeks 38-42

Further information

Instructions on the use of artificial intelligence during the course are given separately. Students should familiarise themselves with Metropolia's AI guidelines and follow them in their study attainments.

Evaluation scale

0-5

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

Assessment methods and criteria

Workplacement completed and written tasks done.
Learning assignments approved.
Work placement: supervisor optometrist to assess and approve the whole period (grade 1-5) and all eye examinations and contact lens fittings, Pass/redo
All work sheets from work placement must be returned at the end of the period and approved by the lecturers Pass / redo.

Practical competency assessment: represent 100% of the final course mark. In the practical assessments the students demonstrate their ability to perform:
1 The ability to identify abnormal colour vision and to appreciate its significance.
2 Contact lens fitting: The ability to make a judgement regarding referral and an understanding of referral pathways.
3 Contact lens fitting: The ability to manage non-tolerance cases (including referral when appropriate).
4 The ability to assess the external eye and adnexa.
5 The ability to assess the tear film
6 The ability to assess and interpret visual fields of patients with normal, sub-optimal, or reduced visual acuity.
7 The ability to assess symptoms and signs of neurological significance.
8 An ability to recognise adverse ocular reactions to medication.

Qualifications

Abnormal Ocular Condition and Refractive Surgery