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Welcome to the Bachelor of Science in Optometry Program.

The Bachelor of Science in Optometry provides the only English Optometric training in South America leading to a Bachelor of Science in Optometry Degree. This degree is in the genre of the United Kingdom Bachelor of Science in Optometry Degree.

Optometrists are able to perform refractions and prescribe and fit spectacle and contact lenses. They provide Low Vision assessment and Low Vision Aid provision to patients. Optometrists manage and treat Binocular Vision complaints. They detect and identify internal and external eye diseases.

We combine clinical based practice with academic study, so you will gain the knowledge and clinical skills need in best practices.

 

MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS OF PROGRAMME

MISSION:

To promote the quality of Public Health through training Optometrists with capacity of comparable international standards, to provide full range eye care in Guyana and the Caribbean: as well as participate in the creation, preservation, dissemination of eye health care knowledge and development in innovation through relevant research.

VISION:

We aspire to be the premier provider of quality Optometric Education in the region, delivered through innovative technology and student – centric techniques.

 

PROGRAMME PHYLOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES

Philosophy

The Optometric training has been developed as one of the strategic directions stated by Vision 2020
Caribbean which include:

  1. Improved access to Cataract surgery.
  2. Improved management of Glaucoma.
  3. Prevention and Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy.
  4. Prevention and treatment of conditions that cause childhood blindness.
  5. Treatment of refractive errors.
  6. Low vision and inclusive services for children and adults who are blind.

Refractive Errors affect approximately twenty percent (20%) of persons under twenty (20) years and almost one hundred percent (100%) of persons over forty (40) years. More than eighty percent (80%) of those affected have significant financial difficulties in purchasing commercially available Refractive

Services. Therefore, Vision Screening Programs piloted by Optometric Students have come on stream, to serve the poor and near poor at no cost.

Consistent with the Vision 2020 priorities for the Caribbean; the Caribbean Council for the Blind and The Foundation for Eye Care in the Caribbean; Eye Care Guyana along with The Ministry of Health and Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation are committed to providing access to optimum eye care. The care must be affordable and of international standard to all Guyanese and people of the Caribbean. In pursuit of this vision we will develop and deliver courses of training that will create a cadre of providers of optimum optometric services, consistent with international requirements for primary, secondary and tertiary level eye care.

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) advises that an appropriate ratio for optometrists to population is 1 to 10,000. In Guyana we have a ratio of about 1 Optometrist to 75,000 population.

 

Objectives

  • Explore theories and principles that will assist them in problem solving.
  • Discuss, accept, and demonstrate attitudes, values, and ethics associated with the profession.
  • Conduct reflective practice to evaluate their performance during clinical practice.
  • Contribute to the quantity and quality of services available to members of the public who require eye care services.
  • Utilize: Biological, Psychological, Emotional and Sociological factors across the human life span in eye care management programs.
    1. Develop a research oriented approach to their professional work. The holders of the B. Sc. in Optometry will be able to work independently to:Provide comprehensive primary eye care, including full refractive and low vision care, binocular vision assessment and contact lens fitting for both children and adults in a public and/or private clinical environment
    2. Understand the mathematical principles behind refraction and ophthalmic and geometric optics.
    3. Investigate and examine the eye and adnexa, and associated systemic factors, to detect, diagnose and appropriately manage eye disease and/or refer the patient for medical treatment to an Ophthalmologist
    4. Advise patients on management and prevention of eye disease
    5. Understand the nature of eye disease and manage the patient independently
    6. Understand the clinical and pharmacological background of ocular conditions
    7. Understand and treat the physiological and clinical implications of binocular vision complaints
    8. Manage all aspects of an optometric practice and/or eye care clinic
    9. Develop and maintain district eye care and awareness programs where needed
    10. Undertake effective education of patient and significant other, while referring to relevant programs for Inclusive Education or Adjustment to Blindness counseling or training.
    11. Apply aspects of knowledge and skills gained in the program to generate new knowledge and practices in the eye care field
    12. Have the skills and motivation to conduct new research and development in the field of Optometry

These objectives will be accomplished through a didactic educational program which includes theoretical and practical components, and research activities.