Program Overview

Program Overview

The Optician Program at Karolinska Institutet is based on the pedagogical principle of "learning by doing," which emphasizes experience-based learning. Students are active participants, engaging in hands-on activities, and learning from each other. The program includes clinical training at the optician education's own eye clinic and at the Clinical Education Reception - Eye (KUM-Ö), as well as during practical training.

Verksamhetsintegrerat Lärande (VIL)

Verksamhetsintegrerat lärande (VIL) is a collective term for pedagogical models that build on collaboration and integration between higher education and working life. VIL can take the form of clinically placed education/practice, study visits, auscultation, hospitation, or field studies within open and closed healthcare, care, or other relevant activities.

Requirements for VIL

To participate in VIL, students must meet certain requirements, including obtaining a health certificate. The health certificate is issued by Student Health at Karolinska Institutet after the student has completed a health declaration.

Health Certificate

The health certificate is a requirement for participating in VIL. Students must complete a health declaration, and based on their answers, Student Health may contact them for additional information or a health examination. It can take up to four weeks for the health certificate to be issued, so students are advised to apply in good time.

Risk Assessment for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Students

Pregnant or breastfeeding students have the right to an individual risk assessment of their study environment. The purpose is to prevent pregnant women, newly delivered women, and breastfeeding women from being exposed to factors or conditions in their study environment that may pose a risk to their health or safety. Students are encouraged to inform the course responsible teacher or someone else on the program about their situation.

Optician Education's Eye Clinic

The optician education has its own eye clinic, where students receive clinical training. The clinic is located in the Eye Center of Excellence.

KUM-Ö

KUM-Ö is a clinical education reception within the eye area, where students receive training in collaboration with students and healthcare professionals from other professions. The KUM-Ö is a collaboration between Karolinska Institutet and St. Erik's Eye Hospital.

Program Structure

The program includes a combination of theoretical and practical training, with a focus on experience-based learning. Students participate in various VIL activities, ranging from half-day to longer periods. The majority of the practical application takes place in the program's own clinical activities, but students also complete at least four weeks of practical training in a private optician business.

Conclusion

The Optician Program at Karolinska Institutet offers a comprehensive education in opticianry, with a focus on experience-based learning and clinical training. Students participate in various VIL activities, including clinically placed education, study visits, and practical training, to prepare them for a career as opticians. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to work in the field of opticianry, with a strong emphasis on patient care and safety.