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Profile of the programme
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To train professionals in Optometry qualified for primary eye care, as independent practitioners, by means of activities of prevention, detection, assessment, compensation and/or functional treatment of visual disorders. These include refraction and prescription and dispensing of spectacles and contact lenses, as well as detection and referral of abnormal ocular conditions and rehabilitation of the visual system. Other aims include providing knowledge of scientific principles underlying the different stages of the visual process as well as the technical and technological approaches to visual system rehabilitation. Such knowledge enables the development of a wide range of skills including the practice of visual examination procedures, the design, verification and adaptation of optical appliances, the design and application of vision training programs and the advice of ergonomic solutions aiming at visual health improvement. |
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Key learning outcomes
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The syllabus of the BSc, in its pedagogical and scientific aspects, is aligned with the model of knowledge and clinical skills expressed in the European Diploma of Optometry of the European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO).
This alignment translates into the positioning of the academic offer at level 3A of clinical skills within the scope of optometry practice according to the model of the World Council of Optometry (WCO).
Considering the general outcomes of the course, when graduating the student should be able to: - communicate coherently the knowledge obtained;
- display oral and written communication skills in communicating quantitative and qualitative information regarding vision science and optometry in particular to different audiences;
- implement the methods and techniques of Optometry;
- display evidence that he or she understands the scientific principles inherent to experimental observations and their application in Optometry;
- exhibit clinical knowledge and skills in Optometry with application to vision primary health care; - reflect critically on ethical, clinical, scientific, political or social issues involved in professional optometric practice.
Are still specific learning outcomes:
- to know the mathematical and physical principles governing the functioning of the optometric equipment, together with their limitations;
- to know the physical, chemical, anatomic and physiological foundations of the eye and the vision function;
- to be able to identify the main optical, anatomical and physiological properties of the normal human eye;
- to be able to perform visual examination techniques to assess the refractive error of a subject without using pharmaceuticals, as well as to evaluate binocular and accommodative dysfunctions, both strabismus and non-strabismus related;
- to be able to relate signs and symptoms of visual anomalies;
- to be able to identify, evaluate and correct refractive, binocular, accommodative and other non pathological vision problems;
- to be able to choose and plan the treatment sequence given the anamnesis and to advise the patient on different treatment or compensation options;
- to be able to prescribe, adapt and oversee procedures for visual anomaly compensation using ophthalmic lenses, prisms and/or contact lenses;
- to know the visual training and ergonomic methods for functional treatment;
- to be able to give advice on ergonomic conditions for prevention and solution of visual problems; - Identify and refer cases that are not of the optometric field;
- to acquire the necessary knowledge for continuing studies, namely to enroll on the Second Cycle in Optometry in Vision Science, to investigate specific population issues and to participate in research projects in optometry. |
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Occupational profiles of graduates
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- Optometry practice in multidisciplinary teams.
- Optometry Practices.
- Optometry/Ophthalmology clinics or centres.
- Industrial companies manufacturing lenses and other optical components/equipments.
- Consultancy in Optometry/Ophthalmology equipment distribution companies.
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Learning facilities
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Students have access to well equipped laboratorial facilities that provide an adequate preparation for their professional life: Teaching Laboratories equipped for the areas of: Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Anatomy, Experimental Physics, Digital Systems, Optics, Ocular Optics, Psychophysics, Optometry and Contact Lenses. Research Laboratories: Clinical and Experimental Center in Vision Sciences, UBIMedical and Optometric Visual Screening Laboratory. Besides the mentioned facilities, students have access to classrooms equipped with videoprojector, a Computer Centre (with internet access) and libraries and library services. |