Program Overview

---

Study Programme in Optometry

The Study Programme in Optometry at KI is taught in Swedish.

Programme Overview

• Credits: 180 Credits / 3 years
• This programme requires knowledge of Swedish. Swedish is the language of instruction.

Essential Data

• Programme code: 1OP19
• Name of the programme: Study Programme in Optometry
• Number of credits: 180
• Starting date: Autumn semester 2019
• Decision date:
• Decided by: Board of Higher Education
• Last revised:
• Revised by: Kommittén för utbildning på grundnivå och avancerad nivå
• Reference number: 3-4797/2021
• Specific eligibility requirements: Mathematics 2a or 2b or 2c, Natural Sciences 2.
• Main field of study: Optometry

Outcomes

Outcomes of First Cycle Education According to the Higher Education Act

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall be based fundamentally on the knowledge acquired by pupils in national study programmes in the upper-secondary schools or its equivalent. The Government may, however, permit exceptions for courses and study programmes in the fine, applied or performing arts.

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

• the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
• the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
• the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

• gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
• stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

Degree Outcomes According to the Higher Education Ordinance

For a Degree of Bachelor of Science student shall:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including knowledge of the disciplinary foundation of the field, understanding of applicable methodologies in the field, specialised study in some aspect of the field as well as awareness of current research issues.
• demonstrate the ability to search for, gather, evaluate and critically interpret the relevant information for a formulated problem and also discuss phenomena, issues and situations critically
• demonstrate the ability to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously and to complete tasks within predetermined time frames
• demonstrate the ability to present and discuss information, problems and solutions in speech and writing and in dialogue with different audiences, and
• demonstrate the skills required to work autonomously in the main field of study.

For a Degree of Bachelor of Science student shall:

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues
• demonstrate insight into the role of knowledge in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
• demonstrate the ability to identify the need for further knowledge and ongoing learning.

Outcomes of the Study Programme at Karolinska Institutet

Beyond the national intended outcomes, the following outcomes apply to the optician programme at Karolinska Institutet:

• demonstrate an understanding of domestic violence, both women and children and men, and
• be able to describe and apply modern medical optometry in a multidisciplinary custody perspective (shared care) after completing their education.

Content and Structure

The optometry programme covers 180 credits, most of which are in the main field of study of optometry. The clinical courses are conducted internally for the most part at the clinic at St. Erik's Eye Hospital but also at private optometric clinics. The clinical parts of the programme are integrated with the theoretical study. The programme is research-based in terms of content and should support students in developing a scientific approach as regards both specific subject knowledge and generic problems.
The programme also focuses on internationalisation, where students are prepared to work in intercultural and international settings.

Scientific Knowledge, Competence and Approach

From the very start of the programme, students train searching for research articles, compiling and analysing facts related to course-specific questions and writing scientific reports. This is part of a scientific thread that is woven into the entire programme from the beginning. The course Basic Optometry 1 and Research Methodology introduces scientific theory, which is an important part of the research theme. The scientific thread includes practical training in written and oral presentation of scientific facts. The theme is part of several of the programme's courses and becomes increasingly advanced over time. It is integrated into the more in-depth aspects of the main field of study. The purpose of the scientific thread is to provide tools for scientific thinking and analysis, where the programme emphasises the importance of international research and the development of evidence-based work and the ability to independently search for information. This lays the foundation for lifelong learning.

Practice Integrated Learning

Practice integrated learning is a generic term for the pedagogical models that are based on interaction and integration between higher education and working life. Practice integrated learning may take the form of placements, study visits, observing teaching activities, staff exchange training schemes or field studies within out-patient and in-patient healthcare, social care or other relevant activities.

Internationalisation

As part of internationalisation, students are trained to use their knowledge and skills in intercultural and international contexts. During the programme, optometry is explored from a national and international perspective. Most of the programme's course literature is in English, which further emphasises the importance of international research and an international environment.

Elective Courses

Semester 5 includes a required elective period of 7.5 credits. During this period, students either delve deeper into existing knowledge or explore new areas based on their own interests and available courses and in line with the intended outcomes for the optometry degree. Courses can include both theoretical and practical elements.

Transitional Provisions

For admissions in autumn semester 2021 or earlier, entry requirements are written as follows:
Natural sciences 2 (can be certified by Biology 1, Physics 1a / Physics 1b1 + 1b2, Chemistry 1), Mathematics 2a / 2b / 2c. Or: Natural Sciences B (can be certified by Biology A, Physics A, Chemistry A), Mathematics B.

Other Guidelines

Grading Scale

The grades used are Fail, Pass or Pass with Distinction. Alternative grading scales may apply to elective courses or cross-programme courses. The grading scale is detailed in the course syllabus.

Language of Instruction

The course language is Swedish but courses/lectures may be held in English. A majority of the course literature is in English.

Specific Eligibility Requirements within the Programme

There are specific eligibility requirements for the courses within the programme. The eligibility requirements can be found in the syllabi. In cases where the requirements are connected to the admission to a later semester, they are described in the course syllabi and on the programme website. There may also be specific eligibility requirements within a specific semester if a course requires certain prior knowledge. The requirements for elective courses may also differ in comparison to mandatory courses during the rest of the semester.

Study Plan with Constituent Courses

• Semester 1:
  • Optics 1, 10.5 credits, Optometry, First (G1)
  • Basic Optometry 1 and Research Methodology, 10.5 credits, Optometry, First (G1)
  • General Anatomy and Physiology, 9 credits, First
• Semester 2:
  • Ocular Anatomy, Physiology and Diseases 1, 7.5 credits, First
  • Basic Optometry 2, 15 credits, Optometry, First (G1)
  • Optics 2, 4.5 credits, Optometry, First (G2)
  • Pathology, 3 credits, First
• Semester 3:
  • Advanced Optometry 1, 12 credits, Optometry, First (G1)
  • Ocular Anatomy, Physiology and Diseases 2, 7.5 credits, First
  • Pharmacology, 3 credits, First
  • Advanced Optometry 2, 7.5 credits, Optometry, First (G2)
• Semester 4:
  • Advanced Optometry 3, 9 credits, Optometry, First (G2)
  • Microbiology, 3 credits, First
  • Contact Lenses 1, 4.5 credits, Optometry, First (G1)
  • Clinical Optometry 1, 7.5 credits, Optometry, First (G2)
  • Environmental Optometry, 6 credits, Optometry, First (G2)
• Semester 5:
  • Statistics and Scientific Methods, 3 credits, First
  • Clinical Optometry 2, 4.5 credits, Optometry, First (G2)
  • Elective Courses, 7.5 credits, First/Second
  • Degree Project in Optometry, 15 credits, Optometry, First (G2)
  • Contact Lenses 2, 15 credits, Optometry, First (G2)
• Semester 6:
  • Clinical Optometry 3, 12 credits, Optometry, First (G2)
  • Low Vision, 3 credits, Optometry, First (G2)