Abstract:

The aim of the Degree in Optics and Optometry (DOO) of the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) is to produce highly-qualified specialists in visual healthcare by organising activities aimed at the prevention, detection, analysis and treatment of alterations in vision. Vision loss is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in older adults. Uncorrected refractive errors are among the main causes of vision loss due to the lack of routine optometric exams. On the other hand, one of the objectives of the University is the integral formation of the students, as professionals and as citizens. The European Higher Education Area involves changes in the teaching methods, as well as in the learning processes, which focus its attention on the students. In this framework, a new educational experience was carried out in the subject Optometry IV (3rd course of DOO-USC). This activity consisted in the development of clinical practices in a real clinical socio-health context. The objective is to bring the students closer to the reality of their future profession through an autonomous, reflexive and collaborative learning, which enhances the acquisition of specific competences together with cross-disciplinary competences and competences for life.

Methodology:
This educational experience was developed in two government nursing homes of the city of Santiago de Compostela. The students (50 enrolled / course), assisted by a teacher, develop a total of 100 hour of clinical practice (groups of 2 students, optometric evaluation of the residents) in order to acquire the competences of the DOO, that is considered as a health profession (Law 44/2003, of 21 November, on Organization of Health Professions). Before the beginning of the activity the equipment for the optometric evaluation was transferred to the seniors centers where a “work area” was selected according to the standards established in terms of dimensions and lighting conditions. Written informed consent and data protection document were obtained from all the residents. All the students developed a portfolio of activities. The tool to evaluate the student's competences was a rubric.

Results:
The portfolio allowed the students to keep a record of their activity in the practices, to reflect on the acquired learning and to make a constructive criticism about this model of practical learning experience. A total of 90 optometric evaluations were recorded in the 50 portfolios delivered by the students, that allowed the students to acquire specific and transversal competences (analysis and synthesis capacity; work in a team; autonomous, reflexive and critical learning, etc.), as well as competencies for life (development of an ethical commitment; promotion of interpersonal relationships, etc).

Conclusions:
This model of learning through clinical practice in a real socio-health environment has allowed to detect vison problems of people living in homes and that the students are aware of the real usefulness of their future profession. There has been a high degree of acceptance of this model of clinical practice and 100% of students consider that it should be included in other subjects of the DOO-USC.

Keywords:

Optometry, active learning, clinical practice, nursing homes, older adults.