abdo COLLEGE Re:View Keeping excellence in your sights | October 2015 | Issue 23

Mastering Optics Launch of a new MSc programme for dispensing opticians

Top tips for postgraduate study success

Profile feature on Daniel Palfrey We find out about Daniel and his research into whether the academic performance of children can be improved by wearing spectacles Mastering Optics

of theory, research, policy and legislation ABDO College and Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) professionals taking part in the course will be supported to advance scholarship announce the launch of a new level of optical education, a Masters and practice. programme for dispensing opticians as part of the CCCU MSc in The course has three main aims: Health and Wellbeing. to allow students to explore the philosophical, theoretical, ethical and legal perspectives and parameters ABDO College will be supporting this has enrolled. This is only the beginning, that influence professional practice, programme and has been involved the Association has established an to evaluate how research approaches in its development. The MSc Health Academic Research Fund to support and methods of critical enquiry can and Wellbeing provides a different way students wishing to further develop be best utilised to create and interpret of gaining an MSc qualification to help their optical studies for the benefit of knowledge and evidence for the practitioners address future policy patients and the profession.” improvement and development of changes in optical practice and Jo Underwood, principal of ABDO practice, and to develop as an primary care. College says, “The course is designed autonomous and self-directed learner Sir Antony Garratt, general secretary to be flexible and responsive to your who is able to sustain and enhance of ABDO says, “The ABDO board has learning and development needs and knowledge and skills to meet personal, recognised the need for the dispensing those of your practice. You will be able professional and organisation’s needs. profession to keep moving forward. to devise your own bespoke route Jo Underwood explains, “The MSc One of the best ways of achieving this through the programme and nominate Health and Wellbeing offers a objective is to continually increase the an award title that reflects your individual personalised learning programme. learning opportunities for DOs and to programme of study, such as MSc Students will initially undertake a module widen and extend the knowledge base. Health and Wellbeing (Ophthalmic to introduce the core concepts related For any profession to grow and expand Dispensing), MSc Health and Wellbeing to the promotion and enhancement of it has to have a sold academic (Low Vision).” health and wellbeing. They will also be underpinning. The Association started The programme emphasises the encouraged to reflect upon their careers, by getting all of its qualifications need to develop high quality health identifying their learning and development assessed and benchmarked by QCA and wellbeing services for all ages needs and aspirations. These reflections (now Ofqual). We then developed our across the health and social care sector. will inform the plan for an individualised BSc (Hons) programme with Canterbury It is devised to help participants foster learning journey through the programme. Christ Church University. We have now a culture of collaboration with others Having planned this programme of moved to a new Masters programme from different disciplines and study if students wish to seek a named at the University and our first student professions. Through critical analysis endorsement in ophthalmic dispensing they will be guided to managing the formal process of gaining approval for Find out more about who can apply and request an application form call this. Each student will then undertake 01227 782 418, or email [email protected] the identified modules that form their For further information about the MSc Health and Wellbeing please contact individual programme. Students can Jeannette Head on 01634 894 433, or email [email protected] also choose from a range of modules offered within the university postgraduate A Master Milestone

provision to form a personalised During my foundation degree some time ago learning programme. All taught tenure as and his research feature makes very modules will require some attendance chairman of interesting and useful reading. at Canterbury Christ Church University, the ABDO board He mentions the important point that but every effort will be made to keep of trustees I’ve paediatric dispensing is a protected this to a manageable level.” often mentioned function and Alicia Thompson, in the The MSc programme is designed ‘milestones’ in ‘Top tips for postgraduate study success’ with flexibility for a motivated my introductory feature, also mentions that paediatric professional to follow their interests. piece for dispensing is a GOC core competency Alongside the range of modules on Re:View. However, one of the most for DOs and the topic that relates directly offer, you can opt to study topics of major milestones, indeed a ‘master’ to the research work she has undertaken your choice in a bespoke manner by milestone, both for ABDO College and with a view to attaining a PhD. undertaking a Negotiated Learning the dispensing profession as a whole, Another milestone is ABDO College’s module. This can provide you with is the announcement in this issue of the publication of the WCSM Courses the opportunity to gain academic launch of a new Masters programme prospectus. What both milestones credit for learning and development for dispensing opticians. This offers DOs highlight is the educational pathway in the workplace. Jo explains, “You a new dimension for personal career now available now available to those may also bring advanced qualifications development and I encourage all those seeking a structured career in optics, in contact lenses or low vision into interested after reading the information which is fully supported by courses from the programme by portfolio entry within this issue, particularly former ABDO College, leading to qualifications accompanied by details of how ABDO College students, to embrace from Level 2 up to Level 7. this learning has been applied and this valuable opportunity. consolidated in the workplace. You I had the pleasure of briefly meeting Huntly Taylor FBDO, Chairman, may also study modules on other Dan Palfrey when he received his ABDO College Board of Trustees MSc programmes and bring those into this programme by negotiation. A key part to complete the MSc programme is the research modules. Contents These modules will enable you to 2–3 Foundation Degree awards event develop a sound knowledge and 4–5 Profile feature – Daniel Palfrey understanding of different research approaches and methods supporting 6–10 Can the academic performance of children be improved you to plan and undertake your by wearing spectacles? research dissertation.” The course takes at least two years 11–13 Top tips for postgraduate study success part time and is suitable for graduates of the BSc (Hons) in Ophthalmic

Dispensing collaborative degree that ABDO College runs in partnership with CCCU and Godmersham Park, Godmersham, Canterbury, Kent CT4 7DT ABDO College along with other tel: 01227 738 829 option 1 | fax: 01227 733 910 relevant degrees at 2i level. [email protected] | www.abdocollege.org.uk Foundation Degree awards event

On the 8th September, ABDO College held its sixth Foundation Degree awards event for students attending Godmersham on their final 3rd year block release session. Hosted by College Principal, Jo Underwood, the successful students were awarded their Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) foundation degree certificates by Professor Kate Springett (Head of the School of Applied Health Professions at CCCU) and Huntly Taylor (Chairman of the ABDO College board of trustees).

2 Following the awards presentation the event concluded with a celebration party.

3 PROFILE FEATURE

Daniel Palfrey We find out about Daniel and his research

were asked by customers or other staff, and I wanted to be like them.” Signing This issue’s research paper is the work of Daniel Palfrey, who up for the DO course was a logical next qualified as a DO in 2014 and practices in the Leckwith branch step for Dan. He says, “I wanted to know of Specsavers in Cardiff. the science behind what we were doing and have a better understanding of what the numbers and figures meant. I wanted to end up like my colleagues and be the kind of person who could answer the questions.” Dan studied with ABDO College via block release. Discussing his experience of combining work and study, he says, “It wasn’t easy to do both, but I never felt overwhelmed, I just had to keep an hour or two a week set aside for fun! Block release worked really well for me: I’m even thinking of taking the same approach for driving lessons and booking to go away for a week to learn to drive! For me, the toughest bits of the course was essay writing, I’m more of a numbers person. My first essay was awful, I scraped a pass, but my final piece was awarded a first, I learnt a lot along the way. For me, and I suspect for many students, the best bits were the social Daniel Palfrey receiving his Foundation Degree from Huntly Taylor (Chairman, ABDO College Board of Trustees) elements, and I don’t just mean nights out! Going on block for two weeks and Dan explains how he entered the world a product that met their needs, whether learning with people who are interested of optics. He says, “I was simply looking they wanted a rucksack and boots that like you are was a really positive way to for a new job! I have always worked in would take them round the globe or for do things. The lecturers are great, the retail, and my previous job was in an weekend walks. Meeting the customer area around ABDO College is fantastic, outdoor clothing and equipment store. need for spectacles involves the same the course structure worked well for me.” I was sending out applications, and type of understanding.” Dan continues, Every student on the BSc (Hons) Specsavers were the first to reply. “I worked as an optical assistant for course has to write a dissertation for When I started work I found that there three to four years. There were a couple their final year project, and choosing the were more similarities in the two jobs of qualified dispensing opticians where topic can be tricky. Dan described how than I had imagined: my previous work I worked who were inspirational figures he narrowed down his choice and what meant that I had to understand the for me. The work they did was interesting, he discovered: “I brainstormed a few customer’s needs and come up with they could answer every question they things I was interested in. I enjoyed

4 Official ABDO College sponsors

paediatric dispensing, you get a special Dan has some practical suggestions The ABDO College Board of Trustees feel-good feeling when a child’s face for DOs based on his findings: “When and staff would like to thank its official lights up when you put on their new a child comes in to collect specs, spend sponsors for their generous and specs. I focussed on that topic. Another time with them and their parent explaining continued support: colleague was looking at a different the importance of spectacle wear. You BiB Ophthalmic Instruments aspect of paediatric dispensing and need to convey, particularly to the I looked at his ideas too. The question parents of young children, that wearing Bierley came to me, is vision a key factor in specs is critical, not only during the Carl Zeiss Vision UK Ltd achieving at school? I scanned the eye’s development period but also Contamac Ltd research and discovered that actually because it could affect their educational there wasn’t a lot of research focussed achievements into the future.” Essilor Ltd on the topic, but plenty of papers that Since completing his studies, Dan Norville hint at the need for this work to be done. has gone on to become manager of Optinet Limited One of the questions that arose, as I did a new practice. He says, “I’m enjoying my research, was why is no-one studying managing a store. When I graduated Rodenstock (UK) Ltd the effects of poor sight on children’s I was interested in the CLO or Low Vision Signet Armorlite Europe learning outcomes. I found a lot of pointers Honours courses, or even going on to The Worshipful Company that do indicate that poor vision affects complete a Masters, but right now I’m of Spectacle Makers education. Overall, all the signs are there, enjoying putting my skills to practical but the lack of research is a problem. use. My main influence and help in For further information on ABDO College I found indications that children with succeeding in my course was the other sponsorship opportunities contact Michael R Potter FBDO on 01227 733 913 or email at [email protected]. When I graduated I was interested in the CLO or Low Vision Honours courses, or even going on to complete a Masters, but right now I’m enjoying putting my skills to practical use. My main influence and help in succeeding in my course was the other DOs around me and those a year or two ahead of me.

hypermetropia in particular don’t do DOs around me and those a year or as well as those who are myopic or two ahead of me. Seeing all the work emmetropic. It may be that, with the they were doing really interested and extra effort to focus on near work, their inspired me, and I feel that now I’m in the whole foundation of reading may be position where I can answer questions weak, and this should be examined in that staff and customers bring to me. future research.” I like being the one who can help.”

5 Can the academic performance of children be improved By Daniel Palfrey BSc(Hons) FBDO

People read by converting words into Clearly it can be seen that if one were In fact visual status of a child is a better recognised sounds and learning to read to fail to grasp the vital first stage then predictor of their academic performance is a crucial step towards educational reading a whole page is going to be than race or socio-economic status4. achievement. Simons1 broke down the troublesome. Similarly if one is unable A recent meeting of educational and process of learning to read into three to read a page quickly at stage two sensory experts found that communication important stages (see Fig. 1), the first they cannot be expected to read whole disorders were associated with sensory being where the subject must ‘see’ the books particularly as more complex impairments such as poor vision. As letters on the page and translate these ideas begin to be expressed and text vision, language and literacy are key into their appropriate sounds where size shrinks in higher education and features of modern day communication, they take on meaning. The second adult life1. they agreed with other researchers that stage involves building on this ability by The link between reading ability and untreated communication disorders can practicing reading as much as possible vision is undisputed in the literature. lead to poorer educational outcomes in order to assemble a collection of The American Optometric Association for affected children5. known words. By doing this, reading states clear vision is needed to ‘thrive’ Simons lists conditions which often becomes quicker as words will be in the classroom2 and the World Health interfere with reading ability and includes recognised without decoding each Organisation (WHO) advise that poor binocular vision anomalies such as fixation individual letter. Reading fluency is vision has lasting consequences on disparity (especially near exophoria) finally achieved when a reader is able a child’s educational and employment and refractive error (RE), specifically to understand a sentence through opportunities following them into hypermetropia. The interference caused knowledge of context without having adulthood3, the consequences of which by these anomalies is itself categorised to decode each word or letter. affect the economy and society as a whole. into two types; perceptual (caused by

Stage Age Type Size Volume Distance Interference typically Skills required (years) of reading of print of reading of focus affecting performance

One 5 – 8 Bottom-up Large Low Near and far Perceptual Physical ‘seeing’ of letters and words

Two 9 – 12 Mix of bottom-up Medium Mid Near Perceptual and Volume of reading required and top-down, (increases functional efficiency to build up breadth of leaning more with age) knowledge/experience of towards top-down words and context as age increases

Three 13 – 22 Top-down Small High Near Functional efficiency Understanding meaning of whole sentences is possible without fully reading each word due to knowledge of context

Fig. 1: Simons’ reading stages (Simons 1991)

6 by wearing spectacles?

blurred vision making it difficult to see vision based purely around the even hypermetropes who were treated letters) and functional efficiency (caused mathematics of visual optics. Using that with correction but not fully compliant by accommodative strain or binocular rule, unaided vision of 6/18 would equate still showed an improvement in VA at vision anomalies) which has more to to a spherical error of ±1.00 to ±1.25D13. the follow up and that compliant wear do with the effort that must be exerted Stewart et al gives a similar value of of spectacles was incredibly important in to see rather than the quality of vision1. ±1.50D for significant spherical errors14. reducing the development of strabismus and amblyopia. Leaving a hypermetrope partially corrected requires them to accommodate A study of over 7,000 British children found that those in order to bring light into clear focus with severe developmental coordination disorder had at the macula. Children typically have a higher chance of having abnormalities in ocular a large reserve of accommodation (>14.00D below 10 years of age) and alignment, binocular vision and RE. humans in general are able to exert around 2/3 of their accommodative reserve for long periods of time with little Many other studies are unanimous At age 5–6, Leat recommends prescribing effort13 so unless the hypermetropia is in one key area; that of hypermetropia for hypermetropia if ≥+1.50D; a similar large the child is unlikely to exhibit any being strongly linked to developmental figure to those given above but at symptoms15. This is a fine strategy in and educational deficiencies. younger ages she recommends only theory but in practice, the amount of Hypermetropic children were found to prescribing a partial correction, stating accommodation required to see clearly have poor reading speeds1,6,7,8 academic that children don’t need the full correction depends on their RE as well as the underachievement9,10 reduced visual for clear vision (due to accommodation) working distance. acuity (VA)11,12 higher prevalence of and that emmetropisation isn’t yet Consequently, this means that to read strabismus12, poor motor skills including complete and leaving some a very close object such as during early manual dexterity11, poor word recognition hypermetropia uncorrected continues reading stages and lower Intelligence Quotient (IQ)8 to stimulate this, however myopia where letters compared with their emmetropic peers. should be corrected in full15. must be A study of over 7,000 British The evidence suggesting this course closely children found that those with severe of action leaves something to be desired inspected developmental coordination disorder as it comes from mostly animal studies (and any had a higher chance of having and clinical anecdote, the few human abnormalities in ocular alignment, trials looking at emmetropisation have binocular vision and RE. not provided any consistent way of Researchers vary over their definitions predicting which child will emmetropise of significant RE as shown in Fig. 2. The and which won’t15. Furthermore, a study WHO considers a RE to be significant if performed on over 5,000 British children resulting in an uncorrected vision of 6/18 finding that hypermetropes who were or lower3. Tunnacliffe gives a ‘rule of left untreated at 11 months old showed thumb’ which can be used in practice to reduced VA when followed up three estimate a patient’s RE from their unaided years later12. The same study found that

7 emmetropisation is at a minimum) a It is clear that the definitions for developmental deficiencies is child must accommodate more. In the ‘significant’ hypermetropia have moved unquestioned and has been known since case of older children who are reading towards higher values in recent years. the 1950s10 but numerous researchers lots of smaller print this might mean Could this be that practitioners are used have neglected to include myopic bringing the text closer to increase its to giving partial corrections to the point subjects in their work when looking at relative size. Either way the strain on the where what they consider significant developmental problems. In fact many accommodation system is likely to lead has changed? It is possible that the researchers have linked myopia with to eye strain, slow progress or even researchers have focussed too much increased reading ability and IQ an abject aversion to reading1. The on what is necessary for the patient to compared even to emmetropes7,8,10,16. under-correction of hypermetropes see and have forgotten about making The reason for myopes performing could be causing more problems than vision comfortable. better at reading based tasks is likely it is supposedly solving. The link between hypermetropia and down to their excellent close vision

Refractive Error (Dioptres)

<-3.00 -3.00 -2.75 -2.50 -2.25 -2.00 -1.75 -1.50 -1.25 -1.00 -0.75 -0.50 -0.25

Creavin et al (2013)

Haugen et al (2012)

Roch-Levecq et al (2008)

Shankar, Evans & Bobier et al (2007)

Atkinson et al (2005)

Anker et al (2004)

Williams et al (2004)

Rosner & Rosner et al (1997)

hypermetropia as defined by study myopia as defined by study emmetropia as defined by study

Fig.2: Ametropia definitions graph)

8 ability, meaning at early reading stages developed a preference to looking at hypermetropia so as to target that they are able to examine text comfortably close objects16 and as such will have instead of the symptoms and forming with little need for accommodation by had more practice at it by the time they a list of risk factors for this may help to simply bringing an object to their far reach later reading stages. reduce the prevalence in the population. point1,13. Distance tasks are still important Perhaps most importantly, it is Hopefully with the rise of but school-age myopes are typically unclear whether hypermetropia and degree-educated UK dispensing already wearing their full correction15 – developmental problems are causally opticians (DOs), these professionals effectively negating any visual interference linked or instead symptoms of a greater could have a more active role in guiding from their RE whereas their hypermetropic underlying neurological disorder which the research on which their practice is classmates are lucky to have a partial myopes may not suffer from6,8. based17. It is also important to establish correction. Myopes may also spend Research is clearly needed into a guideline for when to prescribe in more time reading because they have the causal root of RE, especially hypermetropia and by how much while

0.00 +0.25 +0.50 +0.75 +1.00 +1.25 +1.50 +1.75 +2.00 +2.25 +2.50 +2.75 +3.00 >+3.00

Creavin et al (2013)

Haugen et al (2012)

Roch-Levecq et al (2008)

Shankar, Evans & Bobier et al (2007)

Atkinson et al (2005)

Anker et al (2004)

Williams et al (2004)

Rosner & Rosner et al (1997)

myopia not recorded in study value not defined hypermetropic, myopic or emmetropic by study

9 remembering that accommodative REFERENCES stress could still be causing interference 1 Simons, H. (1991) ‘An Analysis of the Role of Vision Anomalies 11 Atkinson, J. Nardini, M. Anker, S. Braddick, O. Hughes, C. on reading ability even if vision is clear7,12. in Reading Interference’ Optometry & Vision Science 70 (5), pp. and Rae, S. (2005) ‘Refractive errors in infancy predict reduced 369–373 Wolters Kluwer Health [Online]. Available at: performance on the Movement Assessment Battery for Children When considering such a study, the http://journals.lww.com/optvissci/Abstract/1993/05000/An_ at 3½ and 5½ years’ Developmental Medicine and Child Analysis_of_the_Role_of_Vision_Anomalies_in.5.aspx (Accessed Neurology 47 (4) Wiley Online Library [Online]. Available at: question of ethics must also be raised – 13 July 2014). http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1469-8749.2005. is it ethical to deprive children of a tb01129.x/pdf (Accessed 10th July 2014). 2 Ethan, D. and Basch, C. E. (2008) ‘Promoting Healthy Vision spectacle correction knowing that it in Students: Progress and Challenges in Policy, Programs, 12 Anker, S. Atkinson, J. Braddick, O. Nardini, M. and Ehrlich, D. and Research’ Journal of School Health 78 (8), pp. 411–416 (2004) ‘Non-cycloplegic refractive screening can identify infants may lead to amblyopia or a poorer Wiley Online Library [Online]. Available at: whose visual outcome at 4 years is improved by spectacle http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1746-1561.2008. correction’ Strabismus 12 (4) Informa Healthcare [Online]. educational outcome? 00323.x/full (Accessed 16 July 2014). Available at: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/ In an age of advancing patient-centred 10.1080/09273970490517935 (Accessed 13th July 2014). 3 Resnikoff, S. Pascolini, D. Mariotti, S. P. and Pokharel, G. P. (2007) care18 it is entirely possible that adopting ‘Global magnitude of visual impairment caused by uncorrected 13 Tunnacliffe (1993) Introduction to Visual Optics. 4th ed. refractive errors in 2004’ Bulletin of the World Health Organization London: ABDO an approach where each child is tested 2008 (86), pp. 63–70 [Online]. Available at: http://www.scielosp. org/pdf/bwho/v86n1/17.pdf (Accessed 13 July 2014). 14 Stewart, C. E. Moseley, M. J. Fielder, A. R. and Stephens, D. A. as an individual could be the best (2004) ‘Refractive adaptation in amblyopia: quantification solution. By spending more time 4 Marshall, E. C. Meetz, R. and Harmon, L. L. (2010) ‘Through our of effect and implications for practice’ British Journal of children’s eyes – The public health impact of the vision screening Ophthalmology 2004 (88), pp. 1552-1556 BMJ [Online]. testing the child (to include amplitude requirements for Indiana school children’ Optometry 81 (2), pp. Available at: http://bjo.bmj.com/content/88/12/1552.full 71–82 [Online]. Available at: http://www.optometryjaoa.com/ (Accessed 15 July 2014). of accommodation, cycloplegic and article/S1529-1839(09)00445-X/fulltext (Accessed 16 July 2014). 15 Leat, S. J. (2011) ‘To prescribe or not to prescribe? Guidelines non-cycloplegic examination) and 5 Skarżyński, H. and Piotrowska, A. (2011) ‘Prevention of for spectacle prescribing in infants and children’ Clinical and offering more regular appointments communication disorders – screening pre-school and school-age Experimental Optometry 94 (6), pp. 514-527 Wiley Online Library children for problems with hearing, vision and speech: European [Online]. Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/ (to monitor emmetropisation) a precise Consensus Statement’ Med Sci Monit. 18 (4), pp. 17–21 PubMed 10.1111/j.1444-0938.2011.00600.x/full (Accessed 16 July 2014). Central [Online]. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ picture of the child’s eye health can be articles/PMC3560814/ (Accessed 15 July 2014). 16 Mutti, D. O. Mitchell, G. L. Moeschberger, M. L. Jones, L. A. and Zadnik, K. (2002) ‘Parental Myopia, Near Work, School built up and with it a more accurate 6 Thurston, A. (2014) ‘The Potential Impact of Undiagnosed Achievement, and Children’s Refractive Error’ Investigative prediction of academic outcome could Vision Impairment on Reading Development in the Early Years Ophthalmology and Visual Science 43 (12), pp. 3633-3640 of School’ International Journal of Disability, Development and [Online]. Available at: http://www.iovs.org/content/ be divined. Education 61 (2) Taylor & Francis Online [Online]. Available at: 43/12/3633.full.pdf+html (Accessed 16 July 2014). http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1034912X.2014.90 If spectacles are prescribed then 5060#.U8hpJfldV1Y (Accessed 13 July 2014). 17 Canterbury Christchurch University. (2008) New degree route for dispensing opticians [Online]. Available at: compliance needs to be high so that 7 Thurston, A. and Thurston, M. (2013) ‘A Literature Review of http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/news/newsrelease.asp? the child benefits from the correction. Refractive Error and Its Potential Effect on Reading Attainment in newsPk=1172 (Accessed 17 July 2014). the Early Years of School’ Optometry & Visual Performance 1 (1), This is an area which can easily be pp. 25–31 Taylor & Francis Online [Online]. Available at: 18 Stuart, M. (2001) ‘Towards a global definition of patient centred http://www.ovpjournal.org/uploads/2/3/8/9/23898265/ care’ British Medical Journal 24 (322) [Online]. Available at: addressed by DOs in practice today. ovp1-1_article_thurston_web.pdf (Accessed 13 July 2014). http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1119673/pdf/ 444.pdf (Accessed 17 July 2014). Paediatric dispensing is a protected 8 Shankar, S. Evans, M. A. and Bobier, W. R. (2007) ‘Hyperopia function of DOs so they are ideally and Emergent Literacy of Young Children: Pilot Study’ Optometry 19 College of Optometrists (2012) Guidelines: The Sale and Vision Science 84 (11), pp. 1031–1038 Wolters Kluwer Health and Supply of Spectacles [Online]. Available at: placed to handle this19. Better interaction [Online]. Available at: http://journals.lww.com/optvissci/ http://www.college-optometrists.org/ download.cfm/docid/ Fulltext/2007/11000/Hyperopia_and_Emergent_Literacy_of_ A3928149-829B-4E27-A7A4A6F7A942CFE7 (Accessed 18 with parents and schools could be Young_Children_.10.aspx (Accessed 14 July 2014). July 2014). crucial as children often feel pressure 9 Roch-Levecq, A. Brody, B. L. Thomas, R. G. and Brown, S. I. 20 Farmer, M. (2012) ‘Spectacle wear compliance’ Optician to not wear their spectacles in front of (2008) ‘Ametropia, Preschoolers’ Cognitive Abilities, and Effects November 2012 [Online]. Available at: https://s3-eu-west-1. of Spectacle Correction’ JAMA Ophthalmology 126 (2), pp. amazonaws.com/rbi-communities/wp-content/uploads/ their peers20. Regardless, this discussion 252–258 [Online]. Available at: http://archopht.jamanetwork.com/ importedimages/22-specs-and-kids.pdf (Accessed 18 July 2014). article.aspx?articleid=420351 (Accessed 14 July 2014). may cause DOs to think twice the next 10 Rosner, J. and Rosner, J. (1997) ‘The relationship between time a parent asks if their child should moderate hyperopia and academic achievement: how much be wearing their spectacles full time plus is enough?’ J Am Optomn Assoc. 68 (10), pp. 648–650 PubMed Central [Online]. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ or in school. pubmed/9354056 (Accessed 14 July 2014).

10 Top tips for postgraduate study success

flexible to fit around my various jobs and other commitments.” Ant took Have you thought about doing a postgraduate qualification, a advantage of the stepped approach Masters or doctorate? Opportunities are opening up for dispensing to achieving a taught qualification. opticians with the new Masters course at ABDO College in association He says, “I took it one step at a time with Canterbury Christ Church University, and a number of dispensing by signing up for pairs of modules only. opticians have now embarked on a professional doctorate or PhD too. Once I had completed six modules In this feature, read tips on which courses might suit you and how to (enough for a PGDip), I had to decide succeed with further study. if I wanted to undertake a dissertation for the Masters, or complete another three modules to be able to progress to the thesis stage for the doctorate. I am A postgraduate qualification can be offer an MSc for those students who currently putting my research proposal your chance to pursue your professional wish to continue their studying beyond together, which is exciting and I look interests to a specialist level. Whether undergraduate; Gill Bickle is out forward to getting the first of my 80,000 you are interested in contact lenses or trailblazer for this. Hopefully we can words down on paper!” a particular aspect of dispensing you encourage DOs to sign up and get our If you are confused by the different can focus your research project on profession conducting and publishing types of doctorate and which might suit something very specific and become research.” Ant himself is part way you, Robert Cubbidge, senior lecturer at an expert in the field. You will learn through a further qualification, the Aston University, says, “A PhD is purely research skills as part of your course, professional doctorate at Aston University. research and usually would consist of a and courses can now be combined He says, “I graduated with SMC(Tech), unique research question, predetermined with work in practice so you don’t have FBDO (Hons) SLD and CL in short with the supervisor who may have to give up the day job! succession, then I started working at a grant to look at a particular issue. Postgraduate courses can take CCCU so I had a break from studying There might be six research projects between two and six years part time, to get my head round my new role and to complete over a three year period – and nowadays some can be studied a move to Kent. I felt the itch to get back primarily directed by the student: you are remotely by distance learning or as to studying, not only to further my self-directed, self-taught. You also have short courses. With most you can pause career, but also to keep my mind active to do 90 hours of course work over the or stop at Postgraduate Certificate, as I love learning new things. Having a Postgraduate Diploma, or MSc level BSc (Hons) made it a lot easier to apply on your way to a doctorate. for post graduate course; the problem Ant Blackman, senior lecturer at the I had was finding the right course for School of Allied Health Professions at me. It needed to be interesting enough Canterbury Christ Church University to keep me engaged and (CCCU), explains the thinking behind the new CCCU/ABDO College MSc: “I have been impressed by some of the individual studies submitted by the BSc (Hons) students on our DO course and we are now in a position to be able to

11 three years which might involve attending a long literature review for a further 60 if you go all the way to the doctorate research conferences and going on short credits. To get the D Oph Sci you need you have to attend the university for courses about writing a thesis, for to complete a long research project, a viva. A professional doctorate is more example. To apply for a PhD you generally perhaps equivalent to a third of what appropriate if you want to remain in need to have a degree, at least a 2i. you might do for a PhD. You can enter practice: it equips you to do practice However a professional qualification in a professional doctorate with a 2:2. based research whereas a PhD is more contact lenses or low vision could allow If you don’t have a degree you may be geared towards an academic career. ” you to do this too. PhDs can be able to prove that you have professional As well as allowing you to pursue completed part time over five to six years.” experience and be accepted with an interest, your research project gives The other type of doctorate offered by conditions about completing certain you the chance to have work published Aston is the taught or professional modules. The professional doctorate is in a professional or peer reviewed doctorate leading to Doctor of Optometry part time and more geared to someone journal and take forward professional or Doctor of Ophthalmic Science (D Oph who works in practice. Some modules kludge. Sci) qualifications. Robert says, “Because are compulsory, such as one in research Alicia Thompson BSc(Hons) FBDO R this is taught it is credit based just like methods. All lectures are via distance (Hons) SLD SMC(Tech) is director of an undergraduate degree. A typical learning done at home and assessed professional examinations for Association module is 20 credits. All of the taught via multiple choice questionnaires, of British Dispensing Opticians and is elements are at Masters level. You need essays and case reports uploaded online. currently undertaking a PhD at Aston. 60 credits for a PGCert, 120 credits for You need to liaise with your supervisor She adds to the reasons that more DOs a PGDip, 180 credits for the MSc as well during your research project but this need to move into research, saying, as writing a dissertation which may be can be done by email and Skype. Finally, “We have to become a more evidence based profession. There is a lot of good knowledge out there but right now most of it is anecdotal. If more people carry 2015/16 WCSM out research the profession will have evidence for work works.” Alicia’s first Courses prospectus tip for anyone who is considering ABDO College now provides training courses postgraduate research study is to, leading to the Worshipful Company of Spectacle “learn how to search literature properly Makers (WCSM) qualifications. WCSM – one of the main things of a doctorate qualifications lay a solid foundation for the is that your work contributes to the body development of essential optical skills and open of knowledge so you need to be able up a clearly defined career pathway. to assess what has been done, then The WCSM courses available from ABDO you are in a position to add to or even College range from Level 2 Optical Support to rewrite knowledge.” Level 4 for Optical Technicians (and soon to be available Level 4 for Optical When it comes to choosing your topic Assistants). for research you may have a subject To obtain a copy of the 2015/16 WCSM Courses Prospectus, please contact that you are passionate about already. the Courses Team at ABDO College on 01227 738 829 (Option 1), or email Alicia says, “I’ve been in practice for 20 [email protected]. years and have a passion for paediatric dispensing. In my role at ABDO I was

12 involved in writing core competencies for the work. Alicia says, “My role is they are used to me studying a lot!” the GOC. We agreed to make paediatric extremely busy, I was concerned about Another factor is the cost. Ant says, dispensing a competency in its own the time issues, so the location was “The price of modules does vary right, which meant that I was looking critical. I wanted to pick a university that between institutions. This may also at how a child’s facial dimensions are was close to me. The good reputation determine how many modules you very different to an adult, yet all too often for research was also important.” decide to undertake at any one time.” frames are scaled down from those Alicia says, “Finding time to study Robert adds, “The D Oph Sci is fee designed for adult faces. This generated has been the hardest part for me. paying – a PhD may come with funding the idea for my study which aims to I have the motivation and the passion if you take on a funded project.” come up with facial data for children of but I juggle a full time role that takes Summing up, Ant says, “Studying and all ages so manufacturers can design me over the world as well as a family.” working is hard; any of the students at frames for children. Already we know Ant says, “In order to succeed you must ABDO College will know this, but support that there will be gender differences: be good at time management, deciding is available. Every university will have girls grow faster sooner; variations when you can put the hours in, be it at student support services and just depending on ethnicity; and special cases weekends, your day off, or as I did it, because you are not on campus does such as children with Down’s syndrome. an hour or two in the evenings after not mean you cannot call upon these The study comprises a range of parts. dinner (I’ve missed a lot of TV so thank services. Do not be afraid to talk to your As well as the measurements I have goodness for catch-up TV and Netflix!). tutors or programme director if you have sent out a questionnaire designed to I’m also lucky that I’ve been supported any concerns. Also, the good thing with draw out issues with children frames along the way by friends and family who modular learning is that you can always and provide an evidence base rather have been accommodating; although take a break and return later.” than hearsay – people might say ‘children’s frames can be improved’ but the questionnaire results will qualify Find out more that.” If you are unsure about a topic, If you have read this article and would like to take the next step, Ant Blackman you can look at the areas of interest held advises, “First of all decide on the type of course you want to do. This is likely to be by potential supervisors at the university, part-time for post people and distance or blended learning is easier to fit in around one of which may inspire you. Alicia work and family life. Look at university web pages as well as websites such as explains the process she went through UCAS (https://www.ucas.com/ucas/postgraduate/postgraduate-study) or Prospects when applying for her doctorate: “I had (http://www.prospects.ac.uk/search_courses.htm). Read the prospectus for the an informal chat, formalised my course and contact the university with your questions.” proposal, and then I had an interview. Aston University Doctor of Ophthalmic Science: Two years into the study, I have just had http://www.aston.ac.uk/study/ postgraduate/taught-programmes/school/ my qualifying viva which was a stressful life-health-sciences/doctor-of-optometry/ but now I know that I am definitely on a PhD route. I have ethics approval Canterbury Christchurch University MSc Health and Wellbeing: and I am ready to start measuring.” https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/courses/postgraduate/ Alicia’s doctorate is supported and health-and-wellbeing.aspx funded by ABDO. City University MSc Advanced Practice in Health and Social Care (Clinical Optometry) When considering applying for a or MRes Clinical Research: http://www.city.ac.uk/courses/ course, think about how you will fit in postgraduate/advanced-practice-in-health-and-social-care-optometry

13 abdo COLLEGE BOOKSHOP

ABDO College Bookshop Make the ABDO College Bookshop your first choice: • Dispensing, optometry, ophthalmology and contact lens books • Rules, gauges and charts • Essential publications for student DOs • Useful revision guides • British Standards publications Supplying the optical profession worldwide The ABDO College Bookshop provides an extensive selection of the most popular optical titles to the profession worldwide. Publications covering all aspects of ophthalmic optics – dispensing, optometry, ophthalmology, contact lenses, useful revision guides etc. – plus other products such as rules, gauges and charts are readily available and a fast, efficient and friendly service is always assured. The ABDO College Bookshop also offers BSI British Standards publications to ABDO members at a substantially discounted price. Easy ordering and personalised service The full range of publications and other products currently in stock can be viewed and ordered online via the ABDO College website (www.abdocollege.org.uk) or for more personalised service and advice contact Justin Hall, the ABDO College Bookshop Administrator, by telephone on 01227 733 904 or by email at [email protected].

ABDO College Bookshop ABDO College, Godmersham Park Godmersham, Canterbury Kent CT4 7DT