• Study materials provided
• CME Programs
• Interactive sessions with senior faculty
• Wider clinical / academic exposure

Course Details

Objective

At the end of the 6 months training program, the trainee will be able to:

1. Perform a comprehensive eye examination that is geared towards the diagnosis of ocular pathology
2. Apply an integrated evidence-based approach for the diagnosis and management of ocular pathology
3. Demonstrate knowledge of current diagnostic modalities available in ophthalmic practice
4. Develop, execute, analyze data and compile the results of a research project in vision science
5. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of all aspects of the latest practices in their area of specialization.

Learning Outcomes

1. The Optometrist will work independently or in conjunction with other eye/healthcare professionals.
2. The Optometrist can work in hospital (both private and public sectors) and Optical outlets.
3. The Optometrists will be knowledgeable, skilful and analytical in diagnosis, treatment planning, management of visual defects and impairments and in co-management of Ocular conditions.

Program Highlights

1. Regular Theoretical sessions
2. Training in Electronic Medical records (EMR)
3. Active learning in Continuing Medical Education session and Grand Rounds
4. Seminars/ Power Point presentation by Candidates.
5. Direct interaction with Expert faculty
6. Monthly assessments
7. Exposure to various clinics in Out Patient Departments
8. Exposure in Diagnostics procedures.

Module 1: Comprehensive Eye Examination Training

Overview: This module has been created for those trainees who are interested in strengthening their comprehensive eye evaluation skills. It consists of training in the basic eye evaluation and diagnostic skills in 18 months. During the tenure the fellow will be posted in various sub-specialities of the fields of Optometry and Ophthalmology. This module is helpful for all Optometrists who are not confident about their skills received during an earlier optometry internship course.

Course outline:

Comprehensive training comprises the following elements:

• Eliciting general history
• Basic visual acuity measurements and refraction techniques
• Soft skills in patient management
• Assessment of ocular motility and alignment
• Slit lamp techniques and pupil evaluation
• Applanation tonometry
• Basic contact lens fitting and assessment
• Basic squint evaluation and binocular vision
• Basic training in assessment of patient with low vision
• Ocular emergencies

Module 2: Contact Lens and Anterior Segment

Overview: This module offers focused training in the anterior segment related diseases and its management. It comprises comprehensive optometric eye evaluation, cornea and anterior segment evaluation and contact lens fitting.

Course outline:

Cornea and Anterior Segment Evaluation comprises the following areas of training:

• Eliciting case specific history and refraction techniques in complicated cases
• Clinical presentation and diagnosis of corneal and anterior segment related diseases
• Performing and interpreting the results of cornea and anterior segment related diagnostic tests and their clinical implications

Contact Lens component comprises the following areas of training:

• Basic contact lens fitting which includes, patient selection parameter selection and verification such as lens power, base curve and diameter
• Soft contact lens fitting (Spherical and Toric)
• RGP (rigid gas permeable) lens fitting
• Speciality contact lens fitting

Module 3: Low Vision and Posterior Segment

Overview: This module focuses on the posterior segment diseases and its optometric management. It comprises glaucoma, retinal disease and diagnostic instruments operation which includes the interpretation of the results and Prescribing regimes of low vision aids.

Course outline:

Glaucoma component comprises the following areas of training:

• Case specific history taking and work-up
• Glaucoma and its local and systemic associations
• Pharmacology related to glaucoma management
• Glaucoma diagnostic tests and their interpretation (Slit lamp examination & Van Herrick, etc.).

Retina component comprises the following areas of training:

• Case specific history taking and work-up
• Basic funduscopy
• Performing and interpreting the diagnostic tests related to retinal diseases.

Low vision rehabilitation component comprises the following areas of training:

• Identifying individuals with low vision
• Clinical assessment of low vision and functional vision
• Prescribing regimes of low vision devices
• Optical and non-optical devices
• Electronic low vision devices
• Identification of associated additional disabilities and referral patterns
• Counselling of patients with visual impairment about the usage of the low vision devices and daily living skills.

Module 4: Binocular Vision & Orthoptics

Overview: This module gives extensive training in the field of comprehensive eye examination and paediatric optometric management of binocular vision disorders which includes working up of paediatric patients, strabismus patients and neuro-ophthalmology patients. In the sub-speciality training, the candidate will be trained in paediatric optometry, strabismus and non-strabismus binocular vision disorders.

Course outline:

Paediatric optometry component comprises the following areas of training:

• Case specific history taking in paediatric cases and strabismus cases
• Paediatric visual acuity measurements/refraction techniques and prescribing glasses in paediatric cases
• Clinical presentation and diagnosis of paediatric eye disorders
• Assessment of ocular motility and alignment disorders
• Cover - uncover test, prism bar cover test (PBCT) and HBT
• Identification and measurement of abnormal head posture (AHP)
• Assessment of nystagmus and its types.

Strabismus and non-strabismus binocular vision disorders component comprises the following areas of training:

• Non-strabismic binocular vision assessment - detailed orthoptics evaluation
• Diplopia charting and stereopsis testing
• Management of non-strabismic and accommodative dysfunctions
• Prescribing prisms