Optometric Education

This paper introduces a novel multidimensional framework for analyzing eye geometry and its intricate interconnections. By utilizing a symmetrical model with two focal points and concentric elliptical layers, the study explores the dynamic pathways of visual processing and neural connectivity. The proposed approach emphasizes the symmetrical organization of optical and neural systems, providing insights into the spatial and functional relationships that underpin vision. This innovative perspective has potential applications in ophthalmology, neuroscience, and bio-inspired optical designs, paving the way for deeper understanding and advancements in vision science.

Fundamental research was not widely represented in the portfolio of most professional schools before about 1960. This was even more the case for optometry colleges. With enough dedication and skill, individual scholars could make some contributions, but this would have to be done in

Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.The importance and benefits of business management skills have been documented by numerous authors and scholars across the world. Despite this coverage, the topic of business management has received little attention and appreciation within the profession of optometry. Furthermore this topic does not enjoy literature coverage within this profession. This deficiency in literature and interest questions the business skills optometrists have to manage their practices. The aim of this study was to determine whether Optometrists possessed the necessary business skills to efficiently and effectively manage their practices. This study was conducted on Optometrists in private practice in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Data was collected through a web based questionnaire developed by the researcher. A Cronbach’s alpha value of more than 0.7 was consistently obtained from this research instrument. A sample of 175 optometrists was randomly ...

The dire need for eye care services and a dearth of human resources (HR) in sub-Saharan Africa motivated the setting up of new optometry programmes. However, to make a meaningful impact, geographical, gender, economic and educational disparities must additionally be addressed. A qualitative study utilizing Downloaded by [Vanessa Moodley] at 10:31 26 December 2015 430 Moodley, Loughman and Naidoo Recruitment and selection strategies in optometric education purposive sampling to select academic leadership and students from optometry programmes in sub-Saharan Africa was conducted. Individual and focus group interviews produced data that were coded and analysed using a deductive thematic analysis approach. The themes that emerged as contributing to disparities in access through recruitment and selection were institutional barriers (student intake numbers, programme marketing, minimum entry requirements, absence of pre-medical programme) and socioeconomic barriers (finance, poor secondary school education, lack of knowledge of optometry, geographic location of institutions, gender). To address equity, institutions should engage with communities, market via community radio stations, offer pre-medical and bridging programmes, partner with governments and private funders to offer loans and bursaries and affirm females and rural applicants in recruitment and selection. In conclusion, universities must be socially accountable in all facets of education including recruitment and selection.

Access to education was identified as a key international priority by UNESCO as far back as 1998 when it called for "equality of access". The profession of optometry has been challenged to educate practitioners in increasing numbers in order to meet the eye care needs. The World Health Organization reported that globally, an estimated 285 million people are visually impaired and in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) uncorrected refractive error is the main cause of visual impairment. The number of optometrists trained on the continent is currently insufficient to meet these eye care needs with limited access to education remaining a stark reality for students. A qualitative research design framed in phenomenology was used to conduct structured interviews with academic leaders in optometry across SSA. Finance for tuition and student maintenance, lack of knowledge of optometry and optometrists, high admission criteria, limited spaces at institutions, poor mathematics and science results, gender inequalities and geographical location were cited as barriers to optometric education. Lack of funding was the main contributing factor for the high attrition rate from university in countries where students have to pay their own fees. Where tertiary education is free, the limited number of spaces available in the programmes was the major barrier to access to optometric education for the ever-increasing number of aspiring applicants. The profession of optometry has a key role to play in eye care service delivery in Africa. Therefore educators, policymakers and health professionals must together formulate strategies to increase access to optometric education.

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Optometric educators have a responsibility not only to serve students undertaking studies in optometry, but also to save and educate the 'wider community. At the University of Neiv South Wales, Australia, a Vision Education Centre (\''bC) has been founded which is of mutual benefit to optometry and to the local community. The centre is an innovative and unique multi-Iroel learning and teaching centre, which not only addresses the needs of optometry students to gain clinical and communication skills but also provides vision care ami education in visual science to local schools. It is a centre where young patients can come in large groups, and actively learn about visual science during an attendance at the clinic for a routine eye examination. The Vision Education Centre has been highly successful and provides direct benefits to optometry students, school children and their parents, the School of Optometry Clinic, primary school teachers, and researchers in the area of children's vision. Indirectly, the centre is also a means of increasing public awareness of both the University and the profession of optometry. The increased pediatric experience has served to heighten an awareness of the visual needs of the young patient, and the obligations of optometiy to younger members of the communilv.

Optometric education and resources are drastically deficient in most of Africa, more so in Lusophone Africa where the problem is compounded by language barriers which isolate these countries from related developments in Africa and/or low income countries.

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