A Research on Curriculum for Optometrist’s Start-Up

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the degree of education focusing on creating students' start-up necessary in the university's department of optometry. Methods: As qualitative research, we conducted case studies on interviews targeting 13 optometrists who had experience starting their own optical shop dealing with start-up process and the university curriculum. A review of literature, which identifies educational objectives and curriculums of 40 universities and academic journal papers was carried out. Results: There is no difference in respect of educational objectives and optician training among the 40 universities despite having different semesters(4.6.8). Curriculum details are only focused on the national examination courses for obtaining optometrist license, yet optometrist's start-up education program is not conducted. The course related to start-up of optician's store and its management is scarce in the whole curriculum. Conclusions: The future goal of students applying to the department of optometry is to eventually establish their own optical shop. Universities should provide curriculum on preparing start-up, otherwise encourage students to take start-up education in other departments. Before graduation, it is important for students to learn how to start their own businesses and to be prepared with structured and systematic approaches.