Paediatric Optometry

At the end of the Paediatric Optometry course, student should be able to: 1. explain the development of basic visual anatomy and visual function; 2. explain normal development of the child; 3. explain theories of normal child visual spatial development; 4. discuss anomalous development and pathologies present in children; 5. discuss practical applications of concepts of optometry for clinical usage in paediatric population; 6. identify diagnostic procedures that are applicable for children from birth to five years; 7. perform and adapt diagnostic ophthalmic procedures specific to examining children from birth to five years; 8. develop and adapt a management plan to be specific to visual anomalies of children; 9. clinically interact with infant, toddler and paediatric patients; 10. manage visual problems of children from birth to five years; 11. educate the caregiver on home programme for challenged children; and 12. educate caregiver on the importance of infection control and follow–up of treatment.

A review of the development of vision and the distribution of refractive errors among infants, common congenital disorders, clinical assessment procedures for the young patient (birth through elementary school), identification of learning disorders and recommendation of appropriate remedial programme. Clinical work is included.