Optometry Internship (OPTO90028)

Optometric Knowledge and Skills: Students must demonstrate knowledge about established and evolving basic and clinical science, as well as the application of this knowledge to patient care. At the end of the internship year they should be able to:

• demonstrate clinical competence through critical reflection over a broad range of patient experiences;
• select, perform and interpret appropriate clinical tests as part of a targeted, accurate and timely clinical examination;
• identify and evaluate resources that relate to the ethical, moral and legal foundations of optometric care; and
• articulate how physical, social and cultural background impact a patient's likelihood of developing a vision disorder or disease.

Patient Care: Students must be able to provide patient care that is compassionate, appropriate, and effective. At the end of the internship year they should be able to:

• use evidence-based practice to develop and justify an appropriate management plan, considering the best available research evidence, clinical expertise, the individual patient and the practice context;
• reflect on the provision of care with attention to benefits, risks and costs for individuals and the community;
• collaborate with other health professionals to ensure patient safety and to enhance the quality of care; and
• recognise and work within the limits of their competence and scope of practice.

Life-Long Learning and Improvement: Students must be able to continuously improve patient care based on self-evaluation and life-long learning. At the end of the internship year they should be able to:

• assess their performance using various internal and external sources of data, and identify opportunities for learning and improvement;
• develop, implement, monitor and revise a personal learning plan to enhance patient care;
• give and receive constructive feedback.
• critically appraise scientific evidence and translate research findings into practice; and

Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Students must be able to demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that result in effective information exchange with patients, patients’ families, and professional associates. At the end of the internship year they should be able to:

• communicate effectively with patients and families from diverse backgrounds;
• demonstrate sensitivity in the care of patients by treating them as an individual;
• communicate perceptively in difficult situations; and
• communicate inter- and intra-professionally.

Professionalism: Students must demonstrate adherence to ethical principles, and a commitment to carrying out professional responsibilities in the best interest of the patient and the community. At the end of the internship year they should be able to:

• demonstrate honesty, integrity, respect, reliability, responsibility, and confidentiality in all professional interactions;
• apply principles of autonomy, beneficence, and justice, and work to resolve ethical dilemmas as they arise in clinical practice;
• demonstrate empathy, compassion and self-care; and
• show commitment to the role of primary eye care in the health and wellbeing of the community.

Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
• demonstrate written and oral communication skills;
• demonstrate leadership skills;
• work as part of a team to address a common goal;
• effectively manage time and competing demands;
• independently advance their professional expertise and knowledge in optometry;
• collect and record accurate and complete data; and
• keep up to date with the latest innovations.