Using Technology, Bioinformatics and Health Informatics Approaches to Improve Learning Experiences in Optometry Education, Research and Practice

Abstract

Rapid advances in ocular diagnostic approaches and emerging links of pathological changes in the eye with systemic disorders have widened the scope of optometry as the front line of eye health care. Expanding professional requirements stipulate that optometry students get a meticulous training in relevant information and communication technologies (ICT) and various bioinformatics and health informatics software to meet current and future challenges. Greater incorporation of ICT approaches in optometry education can facilitate increased student engagement in shared learning experiences and improve collaborative learning. This, in turn, will enable students to participate in and prepare for the complex real-world situations. A judicious use of ICTs by teachers in learning endeavors can help students develop innovative patterns of thinking to be a successful optometry professional. ICT-facilitated learning enables students and professionals to carry out their own research and take initiatives and thus shifts the equilibrium towards self-education. It is important that optometry and allied vision science schools adapt to the changing professional requirements with pedagogical evolution and react appropriately to provide the best educational experience for the students and teachers. This review aims to highlight the scope of ICT applications in optometry education and professional development drawing from similar experiences in other disciplines. Further, while enhanced use of ICT in optometry has the potential to create opportunities for transformative learning experiences, many schools use it merely to reinforce conventional teaching practices. Tremendous developments in ICT should allow educators to consider using ICT tools to enhance communication as well as providing a novel, richer, and more meaningful medium for the comprehensive knowledge construction in optometry and allied health disciplines.

Optometry students’ perspective on optometry in suburban Western India: A qualitative study

“…Similarly, the literature also suggests that the knowledge about the range of practice patterns and the importance of multidisciplinary approach was higher among senior students and optometrists with higher academic qualifications, indicating the importance of more exposure. 6 , 40 These findings emphasize that the quality of education and optometry qualification are crucial in understanding the roles of the profession. In addition, De Souza et al 4 and Rao 41 discussed the need for extensive training to deliver a successful eye care service in India.…”

Inovação para promoção de saúde auditiva: Desenvolvimento de recurso experiencial e instrucional para o uso de estéreos pessoais

“…Ao se observar o direito à educação, uma parte que chama muita atenção, é garantir que a educação tenha qualidade suficiente para gerar resultados de aprendizagem relevantes, equitativos e eficientes em todos os níveis e contextos. Dessa forma, faz se necessário o uso de métodos e conteúdos relevantes de ensino e aprendizagem que façam uso de abordagens pedagógicas adequadas e apoiem-se em tecnologias da informação e comunicação (TIC) apropriadas (Gupta & Gupta, 2016).…”

“…O emprego da TIC (Tecnologia de informação e comunicação), abrangendo tecnologia multimídia, encontra-se cada vez mais presente na prática de ensino e aprendizagem, transformando a em gerenciada para autodirigida. Esse método por sua vez possibilita diversos benefícios, dentre eles, uma maior flexibilidade e retém maior atenção e envolvimento do participante (Gupta & Gupta, 2016).…”

Satisfaction of pharmacy students with e-learning approach in the University of Health Sciences Casablanca, Morocco during COVID-19 lockdown

“…In addition, the diversification of learning activities would facilitate the engagement of students since they were raised with technology. The ability to learn and revise at your own pace, with no time or place required, leads to better educational prospects (Gupta & Gupta, 2016;Rajhans et al, 2020).…”