Description
The Degree in Optometry and Vision Sciences of the University of Minho provides students with solid training in theoretical and practical foundations in Optometry and Vision Sciences, ensuring the acquisition of skills to perform functions in a regime of autonomy and professional independence, necessary for the success of their graduates in the labor market or to the prosecution of studies, which includes:
- Knowledge to perform clinical activities in the area of Optometry for the promotion and provision of primary care for vision health
- To know the optical, physical and mathematical principles of operation of optometric equipment and their effects on eye physiology;
- Identify the physical, chemical, anatomical and physiological bases of the eye and visual function;
- Knowledge to perform visual examination techniques for the detection, analysis and treatment of visual anomalies of a refractive nature and dysfunctions of binocular, accommodative and oculomotor vision;
- Knowledge to prescribe and adapt different treatment plans for eye refractive anomalies and binocular vision dysfunctions by drawing up appropriate therapeutic management plan that includes the prescription of optical corrections (glasses and contact lenses) low vision devices, visual training and ergonomic conditions, among others;
- Knowledge of complementary examination techniques for the detection of ocular conditions and pathologies and referral to the appropriate professional, acting according to the norms of clinical orientation, good practices and scientific evidence;
- Knowledge necessary for visual analysis in specific populations and development of rehabilitation programs in visually impaired individuals to promote integration and social inclusion;
- Basic knowledge to pursue studies in post-graduate courses, namely at Masters level and research in the area of Vision Sciences or related areas.
Key learning outcomes
1. The Degree in Optometry and Vision Sciences is a project of the School of Sciences of the University of Minho (ECUM), involving departments and Research Centres of the ECUM. It aims to training professionals with deep knowledge of refractive anomalies, visual health, binocular vision, compensation of refractive anomalies and different optical, psychometric, psychophysical, neurological, motor, functional, biological parameters by which vision is evaluated;
2. To promote the learning and scientific knowledge of excellence in the area of Optometry, training professionals, to perform functions in a regime of professional autonomy, with deep knowledge of physics in the field of optics, biomedical and neuro-visual sciences, clinical optometry, relevant clinical ophthalmology and common problems faced in visual health care, with emphasis on eye manifestations;
3. To promote knowledge of general eye health and pathology and systems for referral, prevention and inclusive care for vision health, acting in accordance with the state-of-the-art standards of clinical guidance, good practice and scientific evidence;
4. To provide knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the visual system and understanding their functioning in the context of the human body;
5. To provide knowledge about the composition and function of ophthalmic instrumentation, observation techniques, analysis and interpretation of tests designed to observe and test visual function;
6. Promote the integration of technical knowledge and critical analysis in order to contextualize the problems that present themselves, to understand their origin, to base their forms of manifestation and approach with a sense of responsibility taking into account good technical, human and social practices;
7. To provide knowledge and understanding of visual rehabilitation techniques to allow individuals to maximize their visual capabilities and to cooperate with other professionals, namely in the area of Ophthalmology, in vision care;
8. Promote the topics related to vision in the community where it is inserted, recognize the limitations of current techniques and approaches and envisage autonomously or in groups new approaches and solutions.
Access to higher education
This degree provides the technical-scientific capacity to access post-graduate courses, namely at the Master's and Doctoral levels, for the development of research in the field of Optometry and Vision Sciences or related areas.
Careers
The main career opportunities for graduates in Optometry and Vision Sciences include:
- Optometry practice in optometry clinics as a self-employed professional or as an employee;
- Optometry practice within multidisciplinary teams in clinics/ophthalmology centers or in public or private hospitals
- Professional activity in training and professional services in industrial companies manufacturing ophthalmic lenses, contact lenses, and other optical components/equipment;
- Product research and development in the optical industry sector;
- Visual rehabilitation and optimization in populations with special needs.
