Program Overview

Program Overview

The Optikerprogrammet (Optometry Program) is a three-year program that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become optometrists. The program is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the field of optometry, including the anatomy and physiology of the eye, optics, and refractive errors.

Program Structure

The program consists of six terms, with a total of 180 credits. The first year is primarily pre-clinical, with courses in optics, anatomy, and physiology. The second and third years are more clinically focused, with courses in refractive errors, contact lenses, and optometric practice.

Courses

The program includes a range of courses, such as:

• Optik 1 (10.5 credits)
• Refraktionsmetodik 1 och vetenskapsmetodik (10.5 credits)
• Allmän anatomi och fysiologi (9 credits)
• Ögats anatomi, fysiologi och sjukdomar 1 (7.5 credits)
• Refraktionsmetodik 2 (15 credits)
• Optik 2 (4.5 credits)
• Patologi (3 credits)
• Synundersökningsmetodik 1 (12 credits)
• Ögats anatomi, fysiologi och sjukdomar 2 (7.5 credits)
• Farmakologi (3 credits)
• Synundersökningsmetodik 2 (7.5 credits)
• Synundersökningsmetodik 3 (9 credits)
• Mikrobiologi (3 credits)
• Kontaktologi 1 (4.5 credits)
• Optometrisk klinik 1 (7.5 credits)
• Arbetsplatsoptometri (6 credits)
• Statistik och vetenskapsmetodik (3 credits)
• Optometrisk klinik 2 (4.5 credits)
• Valbara kurser (7.5 credits)
• Examensarbete i optometri (15 credits)
• Kontaktologi 2 (15 credits)
• Optometrisk klinik 3 (12 credits)
• Synsvagsteknik (3 credits)

Program Goals

The program aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become optometrists, including:

• Understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the eye
• Knowledge of optics and refractive errors
• Ability to perform eye exams and diagnose refractive errors
• Ability to prescribe and fit contact lenses
• Understanding of optometric practice and patient communication

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the program, students must have:

• Matematik 2a or 2b or 2c
• Naturkunskap 2
• Alternatively, students may have:
  • Naturkunskap B (which can be demonstrated with Biologi A, Fysik A, Kemi A)
  • Matematik B

Degree

Upon completion of the program, students will receive an Optikerexamen (Degree of Bachelor of Science in Optometry) and a Medicine kandidatexamen med huvudområde optometri (Degree of Bachelor of Medical Science with a Major in Optometry).

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program can work as optometrists in a variety of settings, including private practice, hospitals, and clinics. They can also pursue further education and research in the field of optometry.

Internationalization

The program has an international focus, with courses and literature in English. Students are also given the opportunity to participate in international exchange programs and study abroad.

Research

The program has a strong research focus, with students encouraged to participate in research projects and present their findings at conferences. The program also has a number of research areas, including:

• Optics and refractive errors
• Contact lenses and corneal physiology
• Optometric practice and patient communication
• Vision science and visual perception

Student Life

The program has a strong focus on student life, with a number of student organizations and activities available. Students can also participate in internships and clinical placements to gain practical experience in the field.

Alumni

Graduates of the program have gone on to work in a variety of settings, including private practice, hospitals, and clinics. They have also pursued further education and research in the field of optometry.

Conclusion

The Optikerprogrammet (Optometry Program) at Karolinska Institutet is a comprehensive program that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become optometrists. The program has a strong focus on research, internationalization, and student life, and graduates have gone on to work in a variety of settings. NA