Preservation and Restoration of Vision:

Vision for the Future, Part 2: Ophthalmic Education and Training: Training Curriculum for Hospital-Based Ophthalmic Assistants

On this page:

• Training Curriculum
  
  
• Objectives
  
  
• Knowledge
  
  
• Attitudes
  
  
• Skills
  
  
• Practice

Aravind Eye Hospital

Madurai, India

Excerpted from the Detailed Training Curriculum and Procedures for Evaluation of Training, Knowledge and Skill..

STRUCTURE OF THE TRAINING PROGRAMME TOTAL DURATION: TWO YEARS

Objectives:

The objectives of this course are to

1. Develop familiarity with basic human anatomy and physiology
   
   
2. Understand the anatomy and functions of the eye in detail
   
   
3. Record clinical data for interpretation by the ophthalmologist
   
   
4. Describe common diseases of each structure of the eye
   
   
5. Develop basic skills in caring for patients and their environment
   
   
6. Understand the role and responsibilities of the ophthalmic
   
   clinical assistants as team members in patient care
   
   
7. Develop communications skills for effective human relations
   
   
8. Demonstrate professional demeanor in dealing with patients, doctors and colleagues
   
   
9. Recognize and define compassion, and demonstrate compassionate treatment of patients and staff
   
   
10. Demonstrate effective work habits and initiative
    
    
11. Provide appropriate patient instruciton and education
    
    
12. Develop theoretical and practical knowledge as a foundation for specialty training
    
    
13. Understand basic public health concepts
    
    
14. Update the nurses with modern techniques

Knowledge

• Medical Law, Medical Ethics, and Professional Behavior
  
  
• Medical Terminology
  
  
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
  
  
  • Digestive System
    
    
  • Excretory System
    
    
  • Respiratory System
    
    
  • Cardiovascular System
    
    
  • Musculo-Skeletal System
    
    
  • Sensory System
    
    
  • Endocrine System
    
    
  • Reproductive System
    
    
  • Nervous System
    
    
• Ocular Anatomy and Physiology
  
  
• Ophthalmic Terminology
  
  
  • Gross Anatomy of the Eye
    
    
  • Detailed Functions
    
    
  • Ophthalmic Disorders and Diseases
    
    
  • Management of Ophthalmic Disorders and Diseases
    
    
• Pharmacology
  
  
• Microbiology
  
  
• Biochemistry
  
  
• Medical and Ophthalmic Emergencies
  
  
• Use and Care of Ophthalmic Instruments and Equipment
  
  
• Theory/Principles of
  
  
  • Ward
    
    
  • Out Patient
    
    
  • Operation Theatre
    
    
  • General Anesthesia
    
    
  • Human Relations Theory
    
    
  • Outreach and Public Health

Attitudes

• Adoption of Organizational Values, Culture, Rules and Expectations
  
  
• Demonstration of Compassion in Patient Care
  
  
• Demonstration of Respect in Dealing with Doctors and Colleagues
  
  
• Demonstration of Working Habits, Initiative

Skills

• Patient Care
  
  
• Assisting Doctors
  
  
• Effective Human Relation Skills
  
  
• Demonstrating Aravind Values and Culture
  
  
• Managing Medical and Ophthalmic Emergencies
  
  
• Use and Care of Ophthalmic Instruments
  
  
• Lab Skills

Practice

• Ward Skills
  
  
• Out Patient
  
  
• Refraction Skills
  
  
• Operation Theatre Skills

September 20, 2000

Next: Proposed Curriculum on Training of Mid-Level Eye Care Personnel World Health Organization, Southeast and Western Pacific Regions

Also see:

• Ophthalmology Continuing Education
  
  
• Table of Contents for Vision for the Future